French President Emmanuel Macron and Kenyan President William Ruto have called for stronger Africa-Europe cooperation in technology, arts, and sports, saying partnerships built around innovation and youth empowerment are key to future economic growth. Speaking at the University of Nairobi during the opening of the Africa Forward Summit, the two leaders engaged with students, entrepreneurs, artists, and athletes while unveiling new collaboration initiatives between France and Kenya. Macron stressed the importance of reducing Africa and Europe’s dependence on technologies developed by global powers such as the United States and China. He said both continents should work together to build what he described as “strategic autonomy” through joint investment and innovation.
The French president argued that combining Africa’s growing talent pool with Europe’s technological expertise could create stronger and more competitive economies. President Ruto highlighted Africa’s youthful population as one of the continent’s greatest economic assets, pointing to expanding digital infrastructure, internet connectivity, and entrepreneurship across African countries. He said the future of economic growth lies in technology-driven industries and urged governments and international partners to invest more in young people and innovation ecosystems. The discussions formed part of the broader Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, where leaders are focusing on investment, digital transformation, culture, and sustainable economic partnerships between Africa and Europe.
