French President Emmanuel Macron briefly paused proceedings at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi on Monday to criticize attendees for creating noise as speakers and performers addressed the audience.
The French leader halted the event midway and called on delegates to respect those presenting, noting that such interruptions were unacceptable during conversations centered on culture and youth perspectives.
His comments received applause from parts of the crowd, allowing order to be restored and the session to continue.
“Excuse me everyone, hey, hey. I apologize, but it’s impossible to discuss culture with people so passionately inspired coming here to speak amidst such noise. This is completely disrespectful,” Macron stated to those present.
“I suggest if you wish to discuss other matters, use bilateral rooms or step outside. If you plan to remain here, please listen to the speakers, and we can proceed together. Thank you.”
Emmanuel Macron is visiting Kenya for the Africa Forward Summit, a two-day event jointly organized by William Ruto and France taking place on May 11 and 12.
The gathering has been presented as a significant platform focused on redefining connections between Africa and France while enhancing collaboration on economic advancement, innovation, investment and worldwide governance.
The summit has assembled African Heads of State, African Union representatives, international financial organizations, development partners, investors, corporate executives, innovators and creative professionals.
Organizers indicate the meeting aims to create a new partnership structure between Africa and France built on equality, mutual respect and common prosperity.
The event is occurring under the High Patronage of Presidents Macron and Ruto and is co-organized by Bpifrance, Business France and Proparco.
Over 1,500 economic and institutional leaders from Africa and France are anticipated to participate in the summit.
The forum will concentrate on displaying Africa’s innovation capabilities and progressing solutions to emerging challenges confronting the continent and the global community.
The gathering occurs as African countries are increasingly advocating for more influence in worldwide decision-making, climate financing, commerce and sustainable progress.
Ruto, in his welcoming address before the summit, characterized the gathering as a historic chance to mold the future of Africa’s collaborations with other nations worldwide.
“It is my distinct privilege to cordially welcome you to Nairobi, Kenya, for the inaugural Africa Forward Summit, jointly hosted by Kenya and France at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre and the University of Nairobi on May 11 and 12, 2026,” Ruto stated.
“Kenya, the birthplace of humanity, is honored to host you once more on African territory, a location where history originated and where the future is currently being formed.”
Macron also emphasized the importance of the summit, stating it represented a substantial advancement in attempts to redefine connections between France and Africa.
“Since 2017, we have been dedicated to transforming the Africa-France relationship. We desire to create partnerships on equivalent terms, based on common interests and concrete outcomes,” Macron explained.
“The Africa Forward Summit will be an important milestone in that effort. For the first occasion, France and an English-speaking African nation will jointly lead this event, representing an open and future-oriented relationship.”