Senegal’s delegation to “Africa Forward”: advocating for financial sovereignty

Premier Minister Ousmane Sonko recently presided over the official send-off ceremony for the Senegalese delegation bound for Nairobi. This significant high-level gathering, dubbed the “Africa Forward” summit, is scheduled to run in Kenya until May 13, 2026, bringing together heads of state, international funders, and key private sector stakeholders. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, already present at the venue, will be joined by a team comprising ministerial officials and financial experts, all poised to articulate a transformative vision on the global stage.

Prior to their departure, the head of government emphatically conveyed a clear directive, consistent with Senegal’s commitment to national sovereignty: “Our mission in Nairobi is to champion an unequivocal principle: there can be no development without sovereignty, and no sovereignty without independent financing.” For Dakar, the objective extends beyond mere participation; it is about significantly influencing the restructuring of the continent’s financial frameworks and dismantling conditionalities perceived as stifling to African economies.

The “Africa Forward” summit introduces an innovative dialogue format between the African continent and France. Discussions are set to cover critical issues such as debt restructuring, the funding of crucial infrastructure projects, the transition to sustainable energy, and matters of peace and security. Senegal aims to champion more equitable Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), designed to attract essential resources while safeguarding the nation’s strategic autonomy and decision-making freedom.