Tinubu Sets Out on Official Visits to Three Countries

President Bola Tinubu departed Abuja on Saturday, May 2, for an official diplomatic tour spanning France, Kenya, and Rwanda, according to presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga.

His first stop is France, before heading to Nairobi, Kenya, where he will attend the Africa-France Summit from May 11 to 12. The summit, co-chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron and Kenyan President William Ruto, will tackle pressing continental issues including energy transition, green industrialisation, digital transformation, climate action, and reforms to global financing systems. Operating under the theme “Africa Forward: Africa-France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth,” the gathering will convene African heads of state and French officials to deliberate on economic transformation, infrastructure development, youth empowerment, and peace-building.

Tinubu’s presence at the summit is seen as a signal of Nigeria’s intent to deepen strategic ties with both African nations and France.

From Nairobi, the president moves to Kigali, Rwanda, for the Africa CEO Forum on May 14 to 15. Themed “Scale or Fail,” the forum is expected to draw more than 2,000 business leaders, investors, and policymakers focused on accelerating Africa’s economic growth through regional integration and cross-border investment. The event is organised in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

At both high-profile gatherings, Tinubu is expected to pitch Nigeria as a top investment destination and hold bilateral meetings with global and African business figures.