President William Ruto of Kenya has departed for New York, United States, to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly. During his visit, Ruto aims to push for increased investment in Africa and position Kenya as a key player in the global digital and Artificial Intelligence economy. He will champion an Africa-financing-Africa approach, emphasizing the continent's potential to self-finance its development. This approach will be a central theme in his address to the UN General Assembly.
Ruto will co-chair roundtables hosted by the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI) alongside industrialist Aliko Dangote. A key focus of the meeting will be the planned KSh2.2 trillion ($17 billion) East Africa Refinery in Lamu, a 700,000-barrel-a-day project expected to create more than 60,000 jobs and strengthen regional energy security. The project is set to break ground on September 30, 2026, and will be a significant investment in East Africa's energy sector.
On Artificial Intelligence, President Ruto and President Alexander Stubb of Finland will co-lead the AI Middle Powers Initiative. This initiative aims to enable countries to combine computing resources, data, and talent to build AI capabilities. During the 81st United Nations General Assembly, Kenya will advance the Africa Development Bank-backed AI 10 Billion Initiative, which aims to mobilise up to $10 billion by 2035 for investment across Africa.
The initiative seeks to position the continent as a builder and producer across the AI value chain. According to State House, the President will also sign a global declaration and roadmap on child online AI safety alongside leaders from Spain, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. This will demonstrate Kenya's commitment to ensuring the safe use of AI technology.
President Ruto will also launch an Africa Resilience Compact using AI, satellite earth observation, and predictive technologies to strengthen preparedness for El Niño and other climate shocks. This compact will enhance Africa's resilience to climate-related disasters and promote sustainable development. The President will engage Heads of State and Government, multilateral institutions, and global corporations to expand trade, investment, and diplomatic cooperation.
On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, President Ruto will engage the Kenyan diaspora in the United States as the Government advances a Diaspora Investment Platform to channel diaspora capital into productive investment at home. The platform aims to mobilize investments from the diaspora community to support Kenya's economic development. Ruto will also highlight Kenya's technological potential to the international community.
Kenya will advance National Basketball Association (NBA) partnerships to expand sporting infrastructure and opportunities for Kenyan youth. The Head of State will position Kenya as a regional technology, trade, and finance hub, citing the country's success in mobile payments, with KSh41.68 trillion moved through M-Pesa in a single year. With Africa holding more than $4 trillion in domestic savings and assets, Kenya will call for reforms and international guarantees to unlock more African capital for infrastructure and enterprise.
Key points
- President Ruto will champion an Africa-financing-Africa approach, emphasizing the continent's potential to self-finance its development.
- Kenya will advance the Africa Development Bank-backed AI 10 Billion Initiative to mobilise up to $10 billion by 2035 for investment across Africa.
- The planned KSh2.2 trillion ($17 billion) East Africa Refinery in Lamu is expected to create more than 60,000 jobs and strengthen regional energy security.
