Engage Africa as a trade partner, not a hurdle, Ruto tells G7 leaders

Audio By Vocalize

President William Ruto arriving in Évian-les-Bains, Francefor the G7 Summit. [PCS]

President William Ruto used two days of G7 summit sessions in France to press world leaders to treat Africa as an equal economic partner rather than an aid recipient.

“Africa is not a problem to resolve. Africa is a task,” said Ruto on Tuesday, June 16, speaking on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Évian, France.

“Africa is not anybody’s liability,” he added. He said the relationship Africa seeks with the bloc must move beyond handouts. “It is not going to be a relationship about aid, charity or assistance,” noted Ruto, adding, “Extraction is no longer acceptable.”