President William Ruto speaking at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi on May 12, 2026. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]
President William Ruto has said Africa cannot continue depending on foreign aid to finance its development, urging the continent to focus on investment, innovation and mobilizing local resources.
Speaking on Tuesday, May 12 at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Ruto said aid alone was insufficient to meet Africa’s growing development needs.
“Enduring partnerships must not be built on dependency but on sovereign equality, not on aid or charity but on mutually beneficial investments,” he said.
Ruto said Africa has the potential to shape the global economy due to its young population, natural resources, expanding markets and energy potential.
