President William Ruto of Kenya has called on Russia to invest in African manufacturing during the third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow. He emphasized the need for a new economic partnership focused on manufacturing, agricultural production, energy infrastructure, and skills development. Ruto argued that Africa has significantly contributed to global wealth through its natural resources but only captures a fraction of the value generated from them.
Ruto's appeal follows his push for Russian investment in Kenya's proposed $40.02 billion infrastructure financing plan over the next decade. At a business roundtable in Moscow, he cited bilateral trade of $380 million in 2025, with Kenyan exports to Russia worth $52 million against imports of $330 million. He estimated Russian investment in Kenya at $22 million. The figures point to a trade imbalance that Kenya wants to address by attracting investors who can establish production facilities locally.
The President called on Russia to support investments that establish industries in Africa, transfer technical expertise, and enable local enterprises to compete in regional and international markets. He maintained that industrialisation would benefit both sides by expanding production, creating employment, and opening new markets for Russian businesses. Ruto noted that a more industrialised, productive, and prosperous Africa is not a threat to anyone but an opportunity for the entire world.
Africa's limited role in global manufacturing provides a measure of the challenge. The African Development Bank's Africa Industrialisation Index 2025 found that the continent accounted for less than 2 per cent of global manufacturing output and 1.4 per cent of global manufacturing exports. Manufacturing value added rose from $285 billion in 2020 to $351 billion in 2025. This highlights the need for increased investment in the sector.
Ruto also invited Russia to invest in opportunities created by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to integrate markets across the continent and expand trade among African countries. He said a larger market could support competitive industries, regional supply chains, and increased investment, allowing manufacturers based in Kenya and other African countries to reach consumers beyond their domestic markets.
Agriculture is among the sectors Ruto wants Russia to prioritise. He called for cooperation in affordable fertilisers, local fertiliser manufacturing, agricultural mechanisation, irrigation technology, and research. Africa has significant agricultural potential but remains dependent on imported food and farming inputs. Investment in local production would help countries strengthen food security and reduce reliance on external suppliers.
Ruto also called for increased international funding to help African countries respond to climate change, citing the effects of droughts, floods, food insecurity, and damage to infrastructure. He urged greater investment in climate adaptation, early-warning systems, drought-resilient agriculture, and technologies that can help economies withstand climate shocks. The President emphasized that economic growth should not come at the expense of environmental protection.
Key points
- President Ruto urges Russia to invest in African manufacturing to stop exporting raw materials and importing finished goods.
- Kenya's President proposes a new economic partnership with Russia focused on manufacturing, agricultural production, energy infrastructure, and skills development.
- Ruto calls for increased international funding to help African countries respond to climate change.
