BREAKING: Tinubu begins three-nation diplomatic tour to France, Kenya, Rwanda

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to leave Abuja on Saturday for a diplomatic tour covering France, Kenya and Rwanda.

The development was confirmed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

According to Onanuga, Tinubu will begin the trip with a stop in France before proceeding to Nairobi, Kenya, for the Africa-France Summit slated for next week.

The summit, jointly hosted by Emmanuel Macron and William Ruto, will centre discussions on energy transition, green industrialisation, digital innovation, reform of the global financial system and climate-related initiatives.

President Tinubu’s attendance at the gathering, scheduled for May 11 to May 12, is expected to reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to deeper cooperation with African countries and France.

The summit, themed “Africa Forward: Africa-France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth,” will bring together African and French leaders to discuss major continental concerns such as economic growth, climate adaptation, infrastructure expansion, youth development, technological progress and peacebuilding.

Following the event in Kenya, the Nigerian leader will travel to Kigali, Rwanda, for the Africa CEO Forum holding from May 14 to May 15.

This year’s forum, themed “Scale or Fail,” is regarded as one of Africa’s biggest meetings of business executives, investors and policymakers. Discussions will focus on boosting economic transformation through regional integration, expansion across borders and stronger investment collaboration.

Organised in partnership with the International Finance Corporation, the forum is expected to attract more than 2,000 corporate executives and government leaders to explore strategies for building stronger and more competitive industries across Africa.

During both events, President Tinubu is expected to present his administration’s economic reforms aimed at positioning Nigeria as an attractive investment hub.

He is also scheduled to meet with leading African and international business figures on the sidelines of the summits.

The President will travel alongside selected ministers and senior government officials and is expected back in Nigeria after concluding his engagements in Rwanda.