France, May 11 -- The two-day event "illustrates the desire to diversify [France's] alliances, in light of the recent diplomatic crises in the Sahel, by forging closer ties with East African economies," according to the Elysee.

Alongside French President Emmanuel Macron and his Kenyan counterpart William Ruto, some 30 heads of state and between 1,500 and 2,000 French and African business leaders and stakeholders are expected to attend.

Young people, artists and athletes have also been invited.

Pascal Confavreux, spokesperson for France's Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, told RFI the idea was to bring together civil society and investors, as well as political players.

"It's a hybrid summit, with a politics and business side, wh...