Ruto Pushes Africa's Agenda at G7 Summit in France
ÉVIAN-LES-BAINS, France, June 16 (Business Day Africa) – Kenyan President William Ruto used a platform at the Group of Seven (G7) summit in France to press for greater representation of African interests in global economic decision-making, urging the world’s richest nations to reform international financial systems and support investment across the continent.
Speaking during discussions attended by leaders of the United States, Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Canada, Ruto said Africa must be treated as a strategic partner in efforts to drive global growth, climate resilience and economic transformation.
The Kenyan leader called for reforms to global financial institutions, arguing that African countries continue to face high borrowing costs despite their vast economic potential.
He urged wealthy nations to support measures that would lower the cost of capital, expand access to development financing and accelerate investment in infrastructure, renewable energy and digital technology.
Ruto said Africa’s rapidly growing population and abundant natural resources positioned the continent as a future engine of global economic growth, but warned that persistent financing challenges were limiting opportunities for development.
His intervention came as G7 leaders grappled with multiple crises, including geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, the war in Ukraine, slowing global economic growth and the impact of climate change.
The Kenyan president also highlighted the need for a more inclusive international order, saying developing nations should have a stronger voice in institutions that shape global economic and financial policies.
Africa has increasingly pushed for reforms to the global financial architecture, with leaders arguing that current systems unfairly penalise developing economies through high risk premiums and limited access to affordable financing.
Ruto’s participation at the summit underscored Kenya’s growing diplomatic profile and offered Africa an opportunity to present its priorities directly to some of the world’s most influential political and economic leaders.
Many African economies are battling rising debt burdens, climate-related shocks and higher costs for food, energy and imports, challenges that leaders say require greater international cooperation and investment rather than aid alone.
The summit provided a rare opportunity for African concerns to be aired at the highest level of global policymaking, with Ruto urging G7 nations to view the continent not as a recipient of assistance but as a partner in shaping the future of the global economy.
gandae@businessdayafrica.org