The France Médias Monde group’s channels are gearing up for the “Africa Forward” Summit, co-hosted by France and Kenya on May 11 and 12, 2026, in Nairobi. The final major African event of Emmanuel Macron’s presidency, taking place against a backdrop of geopolitical upheaval, this summit revives the tradition of meetings between heads of state and government. RFI, France 24, and ZOA are on the ground to cover this event, which places a special focus on youth and the business community. RFI is broadcasting in French and four African languages, drawing on its Swahili editorial team based in the Kenyan capital. France 24 is providing coverage of the summit, notably in French and English, throughout the two days. ZOA, the 100% social media platform by and for young Africans, will also be at the heart of the coverage.
A strengthened editorial team brings together 21 on-site journalists working in seven languages, whose reports will feed into all newsrooms, supported by dedicated facilities (a TV studio shared with TV5 Monde, an RFI radio studio, and a ZOA corner at the University of Nairobi).
RFI offers in French:
- A special edition presented live from the Kenyatta International Convention Center by Bruno Faure on May 12, from 8:10 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.*
- “Éco d’Ici, Éco d’ailleurs” presented by Bruno Faure, recorded from Nairobi
- “Le Grand invité Afrique,” which focuses on the summit’s key issues and Emmanuel Macron’s record on Africa.
> RFI’s Kiswahili editorial team, based in Nairobi, and those covering other African languages (Mandenkan, Fulfulde, Hausa) are also providing coverage via their radio stations and digital platforms.
> RFI is also represented in English by the English-language desk’s special correspondent, Melissa Chemam, who is on site to provide reports, analysis, and interviews.
> RFI’s French-language digital team offers an explanatory video and articles on the summit’s key issues. Reports, analysis, and radio programs are also available on the RFI website and app.
France 24 is rolling out editorial coverage in French, English, Arabic, and Spanish across its broadcast channels and digital platforms. Live coverage, special programs, reports, in-depth analysis, and interviews will form the backbone of this coverage of the Africa Forward Summit. France 24’s special correspondents and reporters on the ground—Marc Perelman (French), Stéphane Ballong (French), François Picard (English), Bastien Renouil (French), and Tom Canetti (English)—will deliver the highlights of the summit and shed light on the major strategic directions being debated, as well as the global challenges they raise.
Throughout the summit, “Le Journal de l’Afrique,” hosted by Fatimata Wane, will feature numerous reports on key issues, such as France’s cultural investments in East Africa and French influence in the region’s economic sphere.
On Monday, May 11, at 7:10 p.m., France 24’s “The Debate” in English moves to Nairobi. Hosted by François Picard, this episode is dedicated to the challenges of artificial intelligence, energy, and development in Africa.
France 24 will broadcast live, in French and English, the opening and closing addresses of the Summit delivered by French President Emmanuel Macron.
MCD is offering special coverage on its airwaves, including expanded programming focused on the Africa Forward Summit. Throughout the event, the FMM group’s Arabic-language radio station will shed light on the key issues addressed at the summit.
ZOA, France Médias Monde’s pan-African digital platform—created by young Africans for young Africans—covers “Africa Forward” with a focus on African youth and civil society. Reports produced at the University of Nairobi gather student opinions, highlight local innovations, and feature profiles of young entrepreneurs and artists.
