OPINION: From Nairobi to Évian: Carrying Africa’s voice to the global table
By Dr Korir Sing’oei
Kenya’s invitation to participate at the G7 Summit in Évian this June marks a significant diplomatic moment. It reflects the country’s growing role in global affairs and the trust placed in Nairobi as a credible voice on issues that extend beyond its borders.
But this is not just about Kenya. It is about Africa.
In the coming weeks, Nairobi will host the Africa Forward Summit: Africa–France Partnerships for Growth and Innovation, bringing together leaders, entrepreneurs from across the continent and France, civil society, and youth innovators, including platforms such as Nova Garage, to define practical priorities for Africa’s future. These conversations will not end in Nairobi; they will shape what Kenya carries to the G7, ensuring that Africa’s concerns are articulated by those who live them—not framed from the outside.
For too long, Africa’s place in global forums has been limited, with key decisions made elsewhere and later felt across our economies. That gap, however, is narrowing. African countries are increasingly stepping forward—not in confrontation, but with clarity about what is required to unlock growth and stability.
Kenya’s participation at the G7 comes at a time of mounting global pressures. Conflicts continue to disrupt regions, economic recovery remains uneven, and climate shocks are intensifying. In such moments, major economies often turn inward. Yet global challenges cannot be solved in isolation.
Africa must be part of the solution.
The message Kenya will take to Évian is clear: sustainable global growth will not be achieved without meaningful partnership with Africa. The continent is home to a young and growing population, expanding markets and vast natural resources. It is also central to global efforts on food security, energy transition and climate resilience.
The priorities are clear. Africa needs sustained investment in industry, infrastructure and digital systems. It requires stronger support for intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area. It needs fair and accessible financing that enables governments and businesses to grow without being constrained by unsustainable costs.
Equally pressing is the issue of climate. Africa contributes minimally to global emissions, yet bears some of the most severe impacts. Any global transition to clean energy must recognise this imbalance. Climate finance must be accessible, responsive and delivered in full—moving beyond commitments to tangible action.
Kenya enters these discussions with practical experience. The country has made significant investments in renewable energy, championed regional integration and remained active in global climate diplomacy. This provides both credibility and responsibility.
However, representation alone is not enough. Africa’s presence in global forums must translate into tangible outcomes—whether in investment flows, trade opportunities or policy reforms that support long-term development.
Kenya’s approach has been to engage broadly, build partnerships and maintain consistency in its positions. From Nairobi to Évian, the focus is on ensuring that Africa speaks with purpose and is heard with seriousness.
The true measure of this engagement will lie in what follows. The objective is not merely to be present at the table, but to ensure that decisions taken there translate into real opportunities for African economies and livelihoods.
As Kenya heads to the G7, it does so with a clear understanding: the voice it carries is not its own alone, but that of a continent ready to play a greater role in shaping the global agenda.
The author is Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs