President William Ruto has said Africa is entering global discussions with a united voice and clear priorities, emphasizing that the continent is prepared to play a leading role in shaping international partnerships, development strategies and emerging technologies.
Speaking ahead of high-level global engagements, Ruto described the meeting as one of the most significant gatherings for Africa in recent years, coming at a time when the world is experiencing major political, economic and technological shifts.
“This is a consequential and significant meeting, especially happening against the background of what is happening globally,” Ruto said.
The President noted that Africa’s position has been shaped through a series of continental forums, including the Africa Climate Summit held in Nairobi in 2023 and the recent Africa Forward Summit, which brought together dozens of African leaders and international partners.
“For us in the African continent, it is a build-up from where we were in 2023. We convened the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi that brought together African Heads of State and stakeholders to consolidate our position and ideas on climate change and its effects,” he said.
Ruto observed that the climate summit helped redefine Africa’s role from being viewed solely as a victim of climate change to becoming an active participant in developing solutions.
“Africa did not need to continue just being a victim, but a significant contributor to how solutions can be found,” he stated.
The Head of State also referenced the Africa Forward Summit held last month, where leaders discussed the continent’s future role in global affairs.
“It is also against the background of the Africa Forward Summit that we held last month, where 33 Heads of State were in attendance. We built consensus on where Africa is, where Africa is going, and how it is going to play in the global scheme of things,” he said.
According to Ruto, African leaders will focus on three key themes during the upcoming discussions: global partnerships, development and technology.
“Number one, we will be discussing forging new partnerships and international solidarity that will inform the new world order,” he said.
The President explained that leaders would also seek a new development model centered on shared prosperity and inclusive economic growth.
“We are going to discuss how we forge a new development paradigm of shared economic activity and shared growth, and determine who is going to play what role,” he added.
Technology and artificial intelligence will also feature prominently in the discussions, with Africa seeking a greater role in shaping the future of innovation and digital governance.
“Finally, we are going to discuss technology, e-government, artificial intelligence and governance, and how everybody is going to participate,” Ruto said.
He emphasized that unlike previous industrial and technological revolutions, Africa intends to be actively involved in shaping the future of AI and digital transformation.
“You remember very well that Africa was absent when many of the previous revolutions were being discussed. This revolution around artificial intelligence and technology, Africa is not just going to be a consumer; it is going to be a co-creator,” he said.
Ruto added that the continent wants a seat at the table where decisions and regulations governing emerging technologies are made.
“We want to be at the center of it and write the rules together,” he said.
The President expressed confidence that Africa is now more organized and united than ever before and is ready to present its proposals to global leaders.
“It is going to be different because we are structured, we are organized, we know who we are and what we want. We will be putting our ideas and suggestions on the table alongside the rest of the global leaders,” Ruto stated.
President Ruto Calls for New Global Partnership Model Centered on Africa’s Sovereignty and Equality
