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President Ruto calls for G7 support in debt relief, climate positive growth in Africa

President William Ruto. (Photo: PCS)

By Mwangi Maina | Friday, June 14, 2024

President Ruto highlighted Africa's potential in renewable energy, mineral wealth, and agriculture, driven by the continent's demographic dividend.

President William Ruto has called on the international community to support Africa's efforts in addressing debt burdens and promoting climate-positive growth.

When addressing a closed session of the G7 Summit in Italy, Ruto emphasised the need for reforming multilateral financial institutions to enable sustainable development and ensure greater inclusivity.

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"Far too many countries are forced to choose between repaying creditors and investing in their economy and people. Three weeks ago, President Joe Biden and I launched the Nairobi-Washington vision for debt, development, and sustainable finance. I urge the international community and all G7 members to support this initiative," Ruto stated.

President Ruto highlighted Africa's potential in renewable energy, mineral wealth, and agriculture, driven by the continent's demographic dividend.

He also called for the G7's strong advocacy for reforming the UN Security Council and providing Africa with a greater voice in decision-making.

"No global institution can claim to champion humanity's universal values in 2024 while perpetuating the systematic marginalisation of 1.4 billion people from Africa's 54 nations. Multilateral institutions must promote the diverse aspirations of all of humankind and must be just, fair, and inclusive," he asserted.

Kenya is a member of the Committee of Ten (C-10) that comprises ten African countries.

This group was established by the African Union (AU) to advocate and promote the African Common Position (CAP) on the Reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), as outlined in the Ezulwini Consensus of 2005.

Kenya’s top diplomat, Musalia Mudavadi, attended the Algiers C-10 meeting this week that agreed to intensify efforts for reforms.

The Kenyan leader further emphasised the importance of equitable financing and strategic partnerships, citing the G7's Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI) as a promising starting point.

"There is a significant opportunity for the G7 to invest in projects that address Africa's significant infrastructure gaps and thus turbocharge our development," he said, expressing encouragement over commitments announced by the PGI Leader Forum.

In his call for global collaboration, President Ruto indicated the necessity of AI governance and equitable distribution of AI benefits to prevent deepening inequalities.

He also urged support for the multinational security mission to Haiti.

"Guided by the wisdom of an African proverb, 'When spiders combine their webs, they can tie up a lion,' we in Africa recognise that collective action is our only way forward," he concluded.