President William Ruto has called for a fundamental shift in Africa’s economic relations with the rest of the world, urging countries to move from reliance on development aid towards investment, technology transfer and local industrialisation. Speaking at the ECAM Council Summit in New York on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly, Ruto said Africa must actively participate in shaping the emerging global economic order and secure partnerships that deliver sustainable economic growth.
The President observed that declining development assistance should serve as an opportunity for African countries to strengthen economic cooperation, attract investors and build industries capable of creating jobs and expanding local production. He emphasised that Africa’s future prosperity must be anchored in mutually beneficial partnerships rather than dependency, calling for investment that promotes shared prosperity and strengthens the continent’s economic independence. Ruto further noted that Africa’s youthful population, expanding urban centres, growing digital connectivity and rising consumer market present significant opportunities for international investors.
Positioning Kenya as a strategic gateway to East Africa, Ruto highlighted the country’s infrastructure, skilled workforce, financial system and regional connectivity as important advantages for investment. He called on international partners to support technology transfer, skills development and the establishment of long-term industries that can generate employment and strengthen Africa’s productive capacity. The President stressed that cooperation should enable African countries to develop their own industries, participate more effectively in global value chains and create greater economic opportunities for their populations.
Ruto also placed healthcare at the centre of Africa’s economic transformation, describing it as essential economic infrastructure for building a productive workforce. He cited progress under Kenya’s Social Health Authority, noting that more than 32 million Kenyans had registered, while health facilities across the 47 counties had received 1.4 billion dollars in payments. He further reported that over 500,000 surgeries had been performed and more than 50,000 cancer patients treated. The President also highlighted a planned 419 million dollar healthcare partnership with Italy and GKSD Group to develop 15 hospitals across 15 counties, presenting the initiative as part of efforts to expand healthcare infrastructure and improve access to medical services.
The Head of State called for greater African investment in pharmaceutical manufacturing, specialist medical training and healthcare supply chains, drawing lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic. He maintained that the continent must develop the capacity to manufacture essential medicines and secure its own medical supplies rather than depend heavily on external sources. Ruto’s address reinforced his call for a development model built on investment, industrialisation and strategic international partnerships, with Kenya positioning itself to attract capital, technology and expertise to support economic growth and long-term prosperity across Africa.
