Ruto calls for equal partnerships with wealthy nations, says era of aid is over

Audio By Vocalize

President William Ruto accompanied by Hassan Joho during closing of 11th Our Ocean Conference on June 18, 2026. [PCS]

President William Ruto has declared that Africa will no longer engage with wealthy countries on terms of dependency, calling instead for partnerships built on sovereign equality and mutual benefit.

Speaking in Mombasa on Thursday, June 18, at the close of the 11th Our Ocean Conference, Ruto said the era of aid, charity, and assistance had run its course.

“Going forward, the conversation and engagement by those of us from the global south and Africa will no longer be on dependency; rather, it is going to be on sovereign equality.”