President William Ruto departed for New York, United States, on Saturday evening to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly. He aims to advance Kenya's investment drive, unlock African and global capital, and strengthen Africa's role in shaping the global digital and AI economy. Ruto was accompanied by First Lady Mama Rachel and was seen off by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and other leaders.
During the assembly, President Ruto will seek partnerships across various sectors, including energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, health, agriculture, and technology, to create jobs, expand productive capacity, and open new markets. He will co-chair roundtables hosted by the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI) alongside industrialist Aliko Dangote. A key focus will be the planned KSh2.2 trillion ($17 billion) East Africa Refinery in Lamu, expected to create over 60,000 jobs and strengthen regional energy security.
The East Africa Refinery project is set to break ground on September 30, 2026, and is a significant initiative for the region. President Ruto will also co-lead the AI Middle Powers Initiative with President Alexander Stubb of Finland, enabling countries to combine computing resources, data, and talent to build AI capabilities. This initiative aims to position Africa as a builder and producer across the AI value chain.
Kenya will advance the Africa Development Bank-backed AI 10 Billion Initiative, which aims to mobilize up to $10 billion by 2035 for investment across Africa. President Ruto will also sign a global declaration and roadmap on child online AI safety alongside leaders from Spain, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. Additionally, he will launch an Africa Resilience Compact using AI, satellite earth observation, and predictive technologies to strengthen preparedness for El Niño and other climate shocks.
At the Next 3 Billion convening, President Ruto will position Kenya as a regional technology, trade, and finance hub. Kenya has made significant strides in digital access, with KSh41.68 trillion moved through M-Pesa in a single year, and platforms like Ziidi Trader extending digital access from payments to investment and ownership. The President will also advance National Basketball Association partnerships to expand sporting infrastructure and opportunities for Kenyan youth.
In his UN General Assembly address, President Ruto will champion an Africa-financing-Africa approach, emphasizing the continent's potential to unlock more capital for infrastructure and enterprise. With Africa holding over $4 trillion in domestic savings and assets, Kenya will call for reforms and international guarantees to mobilize African capital. The President will also highlight Kenya's National Infrastructure Fund, designed to mobilize up to $40 billion without adding to public debt.
On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, President Ruto will engage with Heads of State and Government, multilateral institutions, and global corporations to expand trade and investment. He will also advocate for greater representation of Africa in global institutions. Key points from the assembly include:
Key points
- President Ruto will co-chair roundtables on investment and development.
- Kenya aims to mobilize $10 billion for AI investment across Africa by 2035.
- The President will champion an Africa-financing-Africa approach to unlock more African capital.
