Ruto arrives in Addis for second Africa-CARICOM Summit.

Ethiopia’s Minister for Transport and Logistics Dr. Alemu Sime receives President William Ruto at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia/PCS

President William Ruto has arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for the second Africa-CARICOM Summit.

The President, who is accompanied by First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto, landed at Bole International Airport and was received by Dr. Alemu Sime, Minister for Transport and Logistics.

The first Africa-CARICOM Summit was held virtually on September 7, 2021, under the theme “Unity Across Continents and Oceans: Opportunities for Deepening Integration.”

Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, who was then the Chair of the African Union (AU), hosted the event.

It marked the first official high-level engagement between African and Caribbean leaders.

Leaders from both regions discussed strengthening political, economic, and cultural ties.

There was a strong emphasis on building solidarity and cooperation across the Atlantic on matters such as trade and investment, climate change, health (including COVID-19 response), technology and innovation, and reparations for slavery and colonialism.

September 7 was declared Africa-CARICOM Day to commemorate the summit and promote unity.

While in Ethiopia, Ruto will also attend the inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.

A guard of honour mounted to receive President William Ruto at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia/PCS

Ruto will unveil the report “From Nairobi to Addis Ababa: Africa’s Journey of Climate Action and Partnership”, which reviews progress since the 2023 Nairobi Declaration and charts future climate pathways.

He will witness the signing of a Cooperation Framework for the Africa Green Industrialisation Initiative (AGII).

The agreement will unite African governments, financiers, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, and private sector players to accelerate renewable energy projects and green industrial investments.

As chair of the Committee of African Heads of State on Climate Change (CAHOSCC), Ruto is expected to push for fair resource valuation, affordable climate financing, debt sustainability, and stronger African positions in global climate negotiations.

He will also attend the Africa-CARICOM dialogue, focusing on debt management, energy transition, and joint responses to global challenges.