NAIROBI, Kenya Jun 16 – President William Ruto has arrived in France for the G7 Leaders’ Summit, where he is expected to represent Africa and push the continent’s priorities before some of the world’s most influential economies.
The President traveled to Evian, France, at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron, in a move that State House says reflects Kenya’s growing influence on the global stage and confidence in Ruto’s leadership on issues affecting Africa and the Global South.
At the summit, Ruto will present Africa’s common position on economic transformation, financial reforms, climate action and digital development, building on resolutions agreed during the Africa Forward Summit held in Nairobi last month.
According to State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, the President will use the global platform to advocate for reforms to the international financial system and increased access to affordable capital for African countries and businesses.
“The summit will provide an important platform for the President to champion Africa’s case for reforms to the international financial architecture, affordable access to capital and investment,” Hussein said.
Ruto will join leaders from the United States, France, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom, alongside senior officials from the European Union and other invited nations.
A key focus of the President’s mission will be attracting investments that can create jobs and boost economic growth in Kenya and across Africa.
State House said Ruto will seek stronger partnerships in trade, infrastructure, renewable energy, climate resilience, innovation and technology, while advocating for a more inclusive global economic system.
The President is also expected to push Africa’s position on Artificial Intelligence, calling for equitable access to emerging technologies and greater investment in digital infrastructure, innovation ecosystems and skills development.
In a major boost to Kenya’s digital ambitions, Ruto is scheduled to engage leading technology executives, including OpenAI Chief Executive Officer Sam Altman, as well as senior leaders from Google, Microsoft, Meta, Nvidia, Anthropic and several global AI firms.
The discussions are expected to position Kenya as a leading innovation and technology hub in Africa while opening up opportunities for young people through technology-driven jobs and skills development.
“The engagements will focus on attracting investment into manufacturing, renewable energy, infrastructure, agribusiness, housing, healthcare, digital services and value-added exports,” Hussein said.
On the sidelines of the summit, the President will hold a series of bilateral meetings with heads of state and government aimed at deepening economic cooperation and mobilising investments into key sectors of Kenya’s economy.
State House expressed optimism that the engagements will strengthen Kenya’s economic diplomacy agenda, unlock new investment opportunities and reinforce the country’s position as a gateway to Africa.
