President William Ruto speaking at a high-level security forum co-hosted by Kenya and the United States in Nairobi on May 28, 2025/PHOTO:PCS
President William Ruto has called on African nations to confront the continent’s persistent security and governance challenges with unity and strategic collaboration.
The President warned that instability threatens to derail Africa’s progress at a time of unprecedented potential.
Speaking at a high-level security forum co-hosted by Kenya and the United States in Nairobi, Ruto said Africa stands “at a pivotal moment,” uniquely positioned to drive global growth and innovation, yet hindered by political instability, weak infrastructure, and emerging transnational threats.
“With over 60% of our population under the age of 25, Africa is set to become the world’s largest workforce by 2050,” Ruto said.
“Our abundant natural resources and strategic location make us a vital player in global food security and the green energy transition.”
But these opportunities, he warned, are undermined by terrorism, armed conflict, cyber threats, and environmental degradation.
“These challenges test the resilience of our institutions and demand that we reimagine our peace and security architecture.”
The forum marks only the second time in history that this major security gathering is being held on African soil—a fact Ruto said underscores the continent’s growing leadership in shaping its own security agenda.
Ruto urged African countries to strengthen defence partnerships, align strategic doctrines, and embrace African-led solutions to crises.
“True security in Africa must be continental in ambition and collaborative in execution,” he said.
“When one country or region falters, the ripple effects transcend borders.”
He cited the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a powerful economic initiative that could also enhance security by reducing economic marginalisation and strengthening resilience.
He also praised efforts like the Great Green Wall for combining environmental restoration with job creation.
“Unity must not just be a diplomatic ideal—it must be a practical strategy for resilience,” Ruto emphasised, calling for proactive, rather than reactive, military cooperation across the continent.
Reaffirming Kenya’s commitment to regional peace, Ruto said his administration will continue to engage partners at bilateral, regional, and multilateral levels to develop “a defence architecture that is robust, credible, and enduring.”
He expressed special appreciation to the United States for its “tremendous support” for the forum and broader contributions to regional peace and stability.
“I trust that your discussions will be candid, constructive, and insightful in shaping the future of our continent,” he concluded.
The forum brings together military leaders, policymakers, and security experts from across Africa and beyond to discuss strategies for a safer, more unified continent.
