NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 1 — Kenya and France have signed key hosting instruments for the upcoming Africa Forward Summit, paving the way for a high-level meeting expected to shape the continent’s position ahead of the G7 Summit in June.Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei said he signed the agreement Tuesday with Arnaud Suquet, committing both countries to jointly organise the summit scheduled for May.“Ambassador Arnaud Suquet of the French Embassy in Kenya and I signed the hosting instruments for the Africa Forward Summit today,” Sing’Oei said in a statement.“Together and in collaboration with all participating countries, we are committed to co-creating and delivering a high-impact summit in May whose outcomes will also consolidate Africa’s position for the G7 Summit in June this year.”The Africa Forward Summit is expected to convene African leaders, policymakers, civil society actors and private sector players to deliberate on climate action, economic reforms and sustainable development.The signing follows Kenya’s participation in preparatory engagements for the Group of Seven (G7) meeting.Global consensusOn March 25, Sing’Oei represented Kenya at the G7+ Sherpas meeting in Aix-en-Provence, a key preparatory session ahead of the summit to be hosted by France under its 2026 presidency.According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the meeting focused on shaping the agenda and expected outcomes of the global forum.“The French Presidency invited Kenya, Korea, Brazil and India to partner in ensuring the outcomes of the G7 Summit this year reflect broader global consensus,” Sing’Oei said.He added that President William Ruto, alongside the chairperson of the African Union Commission, is expected to present Africa’s position during the summit discussions.Key issues under discussion include global macroeconomic imbalances, principles for mutually beneficial development partnerships, strengthening resilience in critical commodity value chains and building safer digital spaces.“Kenya remains committed to advancing Africa’s agenda by translating shared principles into practical outcomes,” Sing’Oei said.Outcomes from the Africa Forward Summit are expected to inform Africa’s collective input at the June G7 Summit in Évian.The G7 forum brings together leaders from the world’s advanced economies—Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States—to discuss global economic governance, security and development, with participation from the European Union.