President Maada Bio arrives for Africa Forward Summit

Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio sign visitors book after arriving in Kenya for the Africa Forward Summit, looking on is Tourism CS Rebecca Miano on May 9, 2026. [Courtesy] 

President Julius Maada Bio has arrived in Nairobi ahead of the highly anticipated Africa Forward Summit set for May 11–12, 2026.

The Sierra Leonean Head of State touched down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport where he was received by Rebecca Miano as Kenya intensified preparations to host regional and continental leaders attending the summit.

Tourism CS Rebecca Miano recieve the Sierra Leonean Head of State Julius Maada Bio (Centre) at JKIA  for the Africa Forward Summit on May 9, 2026. [Courtesy]

President Bio joins other African Heads of State, policymakers, investors, development partners and youth leaders expected in Nairobi for discussions focused on Africa’s economic transformation, governance, innovation, climate resilience and intra-African trade.

The summit seeks to provide a platform for African leaders to chart a new development path centred on home-grown solutions, regional integration and youth empowerment amid mounting global economic and geopolitical pressures.

President Bio is expected to participate in high-level discussions alongside other African leaders, business executives and development experts during the two-day summit.

The Africa Forward Summit is also expected to highlight the role of young people and innovation in driving the continent’s future growth, with sessions focusing on entrepreneurship, technology, investment and sustainable development.

Kenya and France will co-chair discussions focused on reforming the international financial system, expanding digital technology, and promoting green industrialization. The forum is expected to shape new partnerships aimed at driving sustainable growth and economic transformation across Africa.

On Saturday evening Miano received the first visiting Head of State, Côte d’Ivoire President Alassane Ouattara at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Côte d’Ivoire President Alassane Ouattara arrive at JKIA on May 9, 2026. [Courtesy]

The summit, expected to bring together more than 30 Heads of State and thousands of delegates, marks the first time the high-level Africa-France dialogue is being held in an Anglophone country.

As delegations continue arriving in Nairobi, security and logistical preparations have been heightened around key venues hosting the summit, with Kenyan authorities expressing confidence in the country’s readiness to host the continental event.

Speaking after recieiving the president Miano described it as a reflection of strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between Kenya and Sierra Leone.

“ A warm welcome to Magical Kenya H.E. Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone. Karibu Kenya, Bienvenue au Kenya Kenya is honoured to host African leaders and delegations committed to shaping the continent’s future through dialogue, partnership and innovation,” she said.

President Bio has in recent years positioned himself as one of West Africa’s leading voices on education reforms and human capital development.

His government’s flagship Free Quality School Education programme has drawn international attention for expanding access to education and improving literacy levels in Sierra Leone.

The summit comes at a time when African countries are increasingly pushing for deeper continental cooperation through frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area, which aims to boost intra-African trade and industrial growth.

Kenya’s hosting of the Africa Forward Summit also reinforces Nairobi’s growing status as a regional diplomatic and conference hub.

Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. (Second Left) arrived in Nairobi and recieved by on Sunday Maurice Okoth, Deputy Director General and Coordinator of the Diplomatic Conference Centre. [Courtesy]

The city has in recent years hosted major continental and international meetings on climate change, trade, technology and peacebuilding.

The gathering presents African leaders with an opportunity to discuss pressing issues affecting the continent, including debt burdens, unemployment, food insecurity, climate shocks and the rapid digital transformation of economies.

Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. sign a visitors book on arrival for the Africa Forward Summit on May 10, 2026. [Courtesy]

On Sunday, Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. arrived in Nairobi ahead of the Africa Forward Summit and was received by Maurice Okoth, Deputy Director General and Coordinator of the Diplomatic Conference Centre.

The forum will also focus on advancing sustainable development, economic cooperation, innovation, and shared prosperity across the continent. Kenya is hosting the summit as part of ongoing efforts to deepen diplomatic and economic ties between African nations and global partners.