Africa impelled together to spearhead worldwide climate action, emphasizes Ruto

President William Ruto of Kenya has called for African nations to take the lead in shaping global climate action, emphasizing the need for unity and cooperation in building a modern, green, and inclusive industrial base. Speaking at the Second Africa Climate Summit, Ruto framed climate action as a driver of economic growth, transformation, and job creation for African communities.

Ruto highlighted the advances in green infrastructure, climate-smart agriculture, landscape restoration, waste management, and technologies such as direct air capture as proof of African innovations being deployed globally. He encouraged African entrepreneurs and communities, who he believes are innovating and building resilience from the ground up, to continue leading the way in sustainable development.

However, Ruto cautioned that no nation can solve the climate crisis alone and acting alone would lead to failure. He warned that global cooperation is under threat as countries retreat into 'narrow self-interest, transactional partnerships, and short-term gains.' To address this, Ruto challenged international partners to reform trade regimes, lower the cost of capital, and open markets to Africa's green products.

Ruto also emphasized the importance of deepening fiscal discipline, accelerating trade integration, mobilizing African institutional capital, investing in knowledge, and improving governance for resilience. He mentioned the Africa Green Industrialisation Initiative, the Accelerated Partnership for Renewables in Africa, and the African Credit Rating Agency as tools to drive growth and foster a conducive environment for investment.

The African Development Bank (AfDB) launched these initiatives at the summit, aiming to accelerate the continent's transition to a green and sustainable economy. Ruto encouraged the global financial system to remove structural barriers holding Africa back, stating that Africa should be seen as a continent of opportunity and a source of solutions, not just a victim.

In his speech, Ruto emphasized that Africa's success will depend on both delivering at home and the global system opening space where Africa's climate, business, and development goals converge. He concluded by stressing the need for a more united African voice on the global stage, linking debates on debt, fiscal space, nature, and climate into 'systemic and coordinated solutions.'