President Ruto- Africa is ready to work with Europe as equals on the Table

President William Ruto has urged Africa’s development partners to support the continent’s industrial growth instead of fostering a culture of dependency.

He called on African States and their partners to move from extractive to productive relationships, from exporting raw materials to exporting innovation and finished goods.

The President noted that Africa’s partnerships have, for far too long, been shaped by charity, pointing out that alms provide no solution to the continent’s challenges.

Speaking at the 7th African Union-European Union Summit in Luanda, Angola on Tuesday, President Ruto appealed for closer collaboration with the European Union built on a mutually beneficial relationship that draws on each other's strengths.

He noted that Europe holds enormous capital, modern technology and mature institutions, while Africa has vast natural resources, youthful energy and a large and growing market.

“Each has what the other needs. Together, we are not two continents facing each other; we are two halves of a single horizon. So let this summit in Luanda be remembered not for prevarication, but for decisions,” he said.

The President said Africa was offering genuine partnership and opportunity at the summit, and was ready to shape a shared future as an equal rather than remain tied to the past.

He emphasised that to maximise cooperation with the European Union, Africa must deepen regional economic integration, beginning with the African Continental Free Trade Area, a single market of 1.4 billion people.

“As African nations trade more with one another, they will also trade more and better with Europe. We welcome European investment that adds value on African soil and builds industries, not dependencies,” he said.

Additionally, he encouraged the EU to work with Africa to advance digital transformation, expand opportunities, strengthen cooperation on climate adaptation and support fair and managed labour mobility.

On climate change, the President stressed that Africa and Europe must act together on climate adaptation urgently and justly.

“Let us make climate finance accessible, predictable, and fair. A partnership that invests in Africa’s climate resilience is not a gift to Africa. It is an investment in both Africa’s and Europe’s own security and in humanity’s survival,” he said.

On labour migration, he said there was need to recognise qualifications across borders, establish migration frameworks and protect migrants’ rights wherever they go.

The President noted that digitalisation was a major equaliser, pointing out that Africa is not waiting for technology to arrive; instead, it is inventing its own.

“From Kigali through Nairobi to Lagos, digital entrepreneurs are reshaping finance, agriculture, and education,” he said.

The President urged the European Union to support the reform of the UN Security Council so that it reflects the realities of the modern world.

“We must stand shoulder to shoulder for a rules-based international orde