He, however, warned that the opportunity risks slipping away without urgent investments and reforms.
Ruto described agriculture as “Africa’s greatest untapped engine of prosperity,” employing more than 60 per cent of the population and contributing nearly a quarter of the continent’s GDP.
“With 65 per cent of the world’s remaining arable land, Africa should not only feed itself, but also feed the world,” he said.
“This is not a failure of potential, but of investment, infrastructure and integration.”
The President underscored the need to deploy modern technology, provide financing to farmers, invest in rural infrastructure, and promote intra-African trade to unlock the sector’s potential.
Speaking during a meeting at the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in Yokohama, Japan, Ruto cautioned that the challenge was no longer about knowing what must be done but whether Africa has the courage and urgency to act.
He noted that intra-African trade remains low, with less than 18 per cent of exports being traded within the continent, compared to more than 60 per cent in Europe and Asia.
Quoting a report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Ruto said Africa must trade more with itself to open markets, create wealth and drive inclusive prosperity.
“The future of Africa lies in our hands. If we invest in agriculture, integrate our markets, and act with urgency, we will turn subsistence farming into a powerful driver of industrialisation, job creation and shared prosperity,” he said.
It is estimated that intra-African trade could exponentially rise to 50 per cent by 2035.
This would create immense wealth, generate millions of decent jobs, increase opportunities for small businesses and open new markets for local goods and services.
The head of state’s remarks come as global leaders, policymakers and investors meet in Yokohama to chart new strategies for Africa’s sustainable growth.
