Ruto confident Africa's voice will shape G7 outcomes

President William Ruto has expressed confidence that discussions with global leaders in France will yield concrete proposals to unlock Africa's economic potential, expand access to concessional financing and secure the continent's place in shaping the future of artificial intelligence.

Speaking ahead of the G7 Summit, where he has been invited alongside five other African leaders, Ruto said he expects Africa's position on key global issues to be better understood and reflected in future policy decisions.

“I am very clear that we will leave here tomorrow with, number one, our position having been understood and, number two, having concrete proposals on how Africa can access concessional resources,” Ruto said.

Ruto noted that the continent has a central role to play in addressing some of the world's most pressing challenges, including climate change, food insecurity and labour shortages.

He stated that Africa's vast natural resources, renewable energy potential, growing workforce and expanding markets make it an indispensable partner in global growth and development.

“Africa can contribute its assets to global growth. Whether it is energy transition, whether it is food security, whether it is labour mobility, or whether it is building a bigger market, Africa will have a say,” he said.

Ruto also signalled Africa's determination to play a leading role in the development of artificial intelligence.

He said the continent would not be relegated to the sidelines of the technological revolution which he described as the next frontier of industrial and economic transformation.

According to him, the continent must move beyond being a consumer of emerging technologies and instead become a co-creator of the innovations that will shape the future global economy.

“Africa is not going to be merely a consumer. Africa is going to write the rules and is going to be co-creators on how artificial intelligence drives the next industrial and global revolution,” he said.

His remarks come amid growing calls by African leaders for reforms in the global financial architecture, including greater access to affordable financing and a stronger voice for developing nations in international decision-making forums.

The President has consistently argued that Africa's economic prospects are often undermined by high borrowing costs and perceptions of risk that do not reflect the continent's actual investment opportunities.

In France, he reiterated the need for global partners to engage Africa as an equal participant in shaping the future rather than as a recipient of assistance.

Ruto's participation in the high-level meetings in France comes as African leaders seek stronger partnerships with advanced economies while advocating for fairer access to financing, technology transfer and investment opportunities.