Tinubu Begins Two-Week Diplomatic Tour Across France, Kenya, and Rwanda

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has departed Abuja on a two-week, three-nation diplomatic tour covering France, Kenya, and Rwanda, aimed at strengthening international partnerships and advancing Nigeria’s economic agenda.

The president left from the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport aboard Nigeria Air Force 1 at about 2 p.m. He was accompanied by senior government officials and aides.

His first stop is France, after which he will proceed to Kenya to attend the Africa-France Summit scheduled for May 11–12. The summit will be co-chaired by Emmanuel Macron and William Ruto. Discussions at the summit will focus on energy transition, green industrialisation, digital transformation, climate action, and global financing reforms.

Following the Kenya engagement, Tinubu will travel to Kigali, Rwanda, for the Africa CEO Forum holding from May 14–15. The forum, themed “Scale or Fail,” is expected to host over 2,000 participants, including business leaders, investors, and policymakers, to discuss strategies for economic growth, regional integration, and cross-border investments.

In addition to these events, the president is scheduled to hold high-level meetings with African and global business leaders throughout the trip.

The visit is part of Nigeria’s broader effort to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties with global and African partners. Participation in these summits provides a platform to attract foreign investment, promote economic reforms, and position Nigeria as a competitive destination in emerging sectors such as energy, technology, and infrastructure.

It also reflects ongoing efforts by the administration to engage multilaterally on issues affecting economic development across the continent, particularly in areas requiring international cooperation and financing.

President Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria after completing engagements in Rwanda. The outcome of the tour will likely influence Nigeria’s diplomatic relations and economic positioning in the months ahead.