President William Ruto has called for a shift in Africa’s economic relations with the rest of the world from development aid to 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 have a role in shaping the emerging global economic order instead of waiting to benefit from decisions made elsewhere.
The President said declining development assistance should push African countries to strengthen partnerships that create jobs, build industries and transfer technology.
“Development assistance is shrinking. Some see a crisis. I see a clarifying moment. The foundation of tomorrow’s economy must rest on partnership, not dependency. On investment, not aid. On shared prosperity, not extraction,” he stated.
Ruto cited Africa’s young population, expanding cities, growing digital connectivity and rising consumer market as factors that make the continent an increasingly important investment destination.
He positioned Kenya as a gateway to East Africa, citing its infrastructure, human capital, financial system and connectivity, and called for investors to support technology transfer, skills development and long-term industries.
The President placed healthcare at the centre of this economic strategy, describing it as the economic infrastructure necessary for a productive workforce.
He cited the government’s progress under the Social Health Authority, saying more than 32 million Kenyans are registered, while health facilities across the 47 counties have received $1.4 billion in payments.
He added that more than 500,000 surgeries have been performed and over 50,000 cancer patients treated.
The head of state also pointed to a planned $419 million healthcare partnership with Italy and GKSD Group for the development of 15 hospitals in 15 counties.
He called for greater African capacity to manufacture essential medicines and develop health supply chains, drawing lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Health security cannot be outsourced. Africa must train its own specialists, manufacture its own essential medicines, and own its own supply chains,” said Ruto.
