By Benadeta Mwaura - Reporter
Kenya, November 25, 2025 - Ruto opened his speech by declaring that the world is no longer dominated by a single power: “The world is multipolar, more complex, more contested, and more connected than ever.”
For him, that only strengthens Africa’s case. He argued that this is Africa’s moment, not as a passive recipient of aid, but as a strategic partner. “For too long, our partnership has been spoken of in the language of charity and conditionality,” he said. “Yet charity will not solve Africa’s challenges.” Urging a new dialogue: “We come to this Summit not with empty hands, but with open ones offering partnership, innovation, and opportunity.”
One of the most powerful themes in Ruto’s speech was his faith in Africa’s youth. He spoke of “a quiet revolution” sweeping the continent: young people coding apps in Nairobi, building solar projects in Dakar, experimenting with climate-smart agriculture in Kampala.
He posed a challenge to Europe: “They are not waiting for permission. They are leading. And they are watching us today, wondering whether the partnership between Africa and Europe will rise to meet their ambitions or fall back into the comfort of old stereotypes.”
To Ruto, Africa’s future will be driven by its young, creative minds, and Europe must support that, not stifle it. Ruto emphasized that the relationship between Africa and Europe must evolve.
No longer should Africa simply be a source of raw materials. Instead, he called for “productive partnerships”: “We must move away from extractive partnerships to productive partnerships, from exporting raw materials to exporting innovation and products.”
He envisioned deepening trade integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). In his view, AfCFTA does not compete with Europe, it complements it: “As African nations trade more with each other, they will also trade more and better with Europe.”
He invited European investors to build industries on African soil, to help catalyze value addition rather than extractive supply chains. On climate change, Ruto’s tone was firm and moral. He insisted that climate finance must be accessible, predictable, and fair, and argued that supporting Africa’s adaptation is not a charity but a shared investment: “Africa contributes less than 4% of global emissions, yet we pay the highest price … A partnership that invests in Africa’s climate resilience is not a gift, it’s an investment in both continents’ security and in humanity’s survival.”
He proposed more funding for infrastructure, early warning systems, and local climate solutions, especially in communities most affected by drought and flooding.
Ruto challenged the narrative that African migrants are a “problem.” He argued instead that migration should be reimagined as a bridge of opportunity. He called for:
- Legal pathways for both skilled and unskilled labor
- Recognition of African qualifications across borders
- Circular migration framework
- Rights protections for migrants
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He painted a hopeful vision that “These are not stories of loss … These are threads of shared prosperity.”
To him, migration can be a powerful part of the AfricaEurope partnership, if it is rooted in dignity and opportunity.
On Digital transformation, Ruto argued, must not replicate dependency. He called for a digital alliance where Africa and Europe cocreate:
- Africa brings innovation, creativity, youth
- Europe brings experience, infrastructure and strong institutions
He envisioned a future where data governance is ethical, where tech creates jobs, and where African creators and not just consumers drive the digital age. Ruto also tackled some of the less romantic but deeply consequential issues, illicit financial flows, tax justice, and resource mobilisation. He argued that effective tax collection and fair financial systems are not simply domestic responsibilities but are part of a shared global contract.
“Scaling up domestic resource mobilisation is key … Domestic resource mobilisation is the only source of finance which is reliable, predictable and timely.” He said He called for multilateral mechanisms to strengthen asset recovery, curb illicit flows, and improve transparency, a message to European partners that Africa seeks more than aid; it seeks mutual respect and fair financial architecture.
Ruto emphasized that trust cannot be built with words alone; it must be earned through action, appealing to both African and European counterparts. He urged leaders to move from promises to follow-up, from meetings to meaningful outcomes. He declared that Luanda, the site of this summit, should be remembered not for vague declarations, but for decisions:
- A deeper economic integration
- Real climate cooperation
- Migration built on dignity
- Digital futures co-constructed
- Equal partnership, not patronage
He concluded with a powerful statement: the question before the continents is not whether they will work together, but whether they will have the courage to do so as equals. Africa is ready, and the future depends on whether its partners are ready together.
