17:I[87134,["/_next/static/chunks/abf43a076ddbd945.js?dpl=dpl_F6KiLDDFSAiMcLzw3V2cQMgAbhkA","/_next/static/chunks/5ac73fe2b25fc6c9.js?dpl=dpl_F6KiLDDFSAiMcLzw3V2cQMgAbhkA","/_next/static/chunks/92bdbfeca3f655f7.js?dpl=dpl_F6KiLDDFSAiMcLzw3V2cQMgAbhkA","/_next/static/chunks/733be0453bf96ece.js?dpl=dpl_F6KiLDDFSAiMcLzw3V2cQMgAbhkA","/_next/static/chunks/27718c319dd13e9b.js?dpl=dpl_F6KiLDDFSAiMcLzw3V2cQMgAbhkA","/_next/static/chunks/34c922b381f458e9.js?dpl=dpl_F6KiLDDFSAiMcLzw3V2cQMgAbhkA","/_next/static/chunks/c85eefbddd563073.js?dpl=dpl_F6KiLDDFSAiMcLzw3V2cQMgAbhkA"],"default"] 18:T529,

A summit co-hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron and Kenyan President William Ruto in Nairobi this week centers on "Europe engaging Africa as equals," per Kenyan officials.

"Africa is not heading to Europe - it is Europe coming to Africa on equal footing," Abraham Korir Sing'Oei, permanent secretary at Kenya's foreign ministry, stated to reporters on Thursday (7 May).

Labelled the 'Africa Forward Summit,' Macron and Ruto plan to reveal investment pacts featuring French firms in Kenya, including a technology transfer deal for vaccine manufacturing.

"It's not Africa pleading or seeking aid. It's about joint efforts in a balanced partnership," Korir Sing'Oei emphasized.

Kenya's selection stands out, given France's limited historical diplomatic role in English-speaking Africa. After juntas compelled France to end its Sahel military mission in West Africa, France and the EU are urgently reshaping their Africa strategy.

Over 2,000 participants are anticipated in Nairobi on 11-12 May, with the Elysee Palace noting about 30 African heads of state and government present - though South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed his absence. Still, questions persist on whether it exceeds a publicity stunt.