NAIROBI, Kenya Jun 17 – President William Ruto has asserted Africa’s role in shaping the future of global economy during as he urged G7 leaders to move beyond extracting the continent’s raw materials.
Speaking during the G7+ Working Session on Reviving Balanced and Shared Growth for All, Ruto said Africa is no longer interested in partnerships that only benefit others while leaving little value on the continent.
Instead, he called for a new era of cooperation focused on industrialization, manufacturing, job creation and shared prosperity.
“My message to the G7 is clear: pay attention to Africa,” Ruto said.
The President argued that Africa is becoming increasingly important to the global economy, pointing out that six of the world’s fastest-growing economies are found on the continent.
He noted that within the next 25 years, one in every four people in the world will be African, while by 2050, Africa is expected to account for nearly 40 percent of the global workforce.
“If we are serious about accelerating global growth, then we must pay attention to Africa. There is no region in the world with greater potential to drive shared and sustainable prosperity,” he said.
Ruto also cited Africa’s vast reserves of critical minerals that are powering the global shift towards electric vehicles, clean energy, digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing.
However, he said the continent must stop being viewed merely as a source of raw materials.
“For too long, Africa’s engagement with the rest of the world has been defined by the extraction of raw materials with limited value addition on the continent. That model is no longer acceptable,” he declared.
The President called on global investors and governments to partner with Africa in building industries and processing minerals locally.
“Our proposition is simple: work with us to create value in Africa. Let us process our minerals in Africa. Let us manufacture in Africa. Let us build industries in Africa. Let us create jobs in Africa,” Ruto said.
According to the President, stronger African economies would benefit the entire world through stronger supply chains, larger consumer markets, greater investment opportunities and more resilient growth.
“Africa is not short of opportunity. Africa is not short of resources. Africa is not short of talent. What we seek are partnerships that recognise these strengths and help unlock their full potential,” he added.
Ruto’s remarks come at a time when global powers are increasingly competing for access to Africa’s strategic minerals and rapidly expanding consumer market.
He insisted that the continent’s future should be built on equal partnerships that deliver benefits to both Africa and its international partners.
“The future of global growth will be shaped in Africa. The opportunity before us is to build that future together,” he concluded.
