Kenyan President William Ruto says talks with world leaders in France could help secure stronger financial support for Africa and give the continent a bigger voice in shaping the future of technology.
Ruto is attending the G7 Summit as one of six African leaders invited to the high-level meeting, where he is expected to push for greater access to affordable financing and stronger partnerships between Africa and advanced economies.
Speaking ahead of the summit, Ruto said he hoped Africa’s priorities would be better understood and reflected in global policy discussions.
“I am very clear that we will leave here tomorrow with our position having been understood, and with concrete proposals on how Africa can access concessional resources,” he said.
The Kenyan leader said Africa should be viewed as a key partner in addressing global challenges, including climate change, food security, energy transition, and labour shortages.
He pointed to the continent’s natural resources, growing population, renewable energy potential, and expanding consumer markets as areas that could contribute to global economic growth.
“Africa can contribute its assets to global growth, whether it is energy transition, food security, labour mobility, or building a bigger market,” he said.
Ruto also highlighted the importance of Africa’s role in the development of artificial intelligence, saying the continent should not only consume new technologies but also help create and shape them.
He argued that Africa’s young population and growing technology sector position it to play a role in the next phase of global industrial transformation.
“Africa is not going to be merely a consumer. Africa is going to write the rules and be a co-creator in how artificial intelligence drives the next industrial and global revolution,” he said.
His remarks come as African leaders continue to call for reforms to the global financial system, including lower borrowing costs, more investment, and greater representation in international decision-making.
Ruto has repeatedly argued that high financing costs and perceptions of risk have limited Africa’s ability to fully benefit from its economic opportunities.
During the meetings in France, he called for a shift in how global partners engage with Africa, saying the continent should be treated as an equal participant rather than only as a recipient of aid.
The summit comes at a time when African countries are seeking stronger cooperation with major economies on issues including financing, technology transfer, investment, and sustainable development.
