An atmosphere of urgency prevailed in Nairobi during the Africa Forward summit, which took place on May 11 and 12, 2026. Mohamed Ali Youssouf, president of the African Union (AU) Commission, spoke to highlight a crucial issue: "Insecurity must no longer be an obstacle to investments in Africa," he emphasized before an attentive audience.

Co-organized by France and Kenya, this summit brought together African heads of state and experts under the ambitious theme "Africa Forward: Let's Build Together the Africa We Want." In his opening speech, Youssouf advocated for Africa to become "a bastion of peace and not a battlefield," stressing the devastating impact of armed conflicts on political stability and economic growth.

According to recent data, Africa loses approximately 18 billion dollars annually due to armed conflicts and violence. This colossal sum, representing a significant portion of the GDP of many African countries, underscores the urgency of concerted action to restore peace. "We must work together to end these fratricidal wars that are destroying our continent," Youssouf stated gravely.

Discussions at the summit also focused on the crucial role that private enterprises can play in Africa's economic transformation. Participants explored various strategies to encourage investments while ensuring a secure environment. Experts present emphasized that creating a climate of trust is essential to attract foreign investors.

In our previous reports, we documented how persistent insecurity in several regions of Africa, particularly in the Sahel and the Great Lakes region, poses a serious obstacle to economic development. International military interventions have not always succeeded in stabilizing these areas, leaving local populations in a precarious and uncertain situation.

Youssouf also highlighted the need to strengthen African institutions so that they can better manage crises and promote peace. He called for increased cooperation among AU member states to address current security challenges.

The Africa Forward summit aims to be a starting point for rethinking economic development in Africa through a peace and security-centered approach. The discussions held could influence future policies and contribute to forging a more stable future for the continent.

The stakes are clear: without security, there will be no sustainable investments or real growth. The message sent from Nairobi could well mark the beginning of a new dynamic where stability aligns with prosperity.