President Ruto calls for strengthening of African Union

By Peter Ochieng

President William Ruto wants leaders in Africa to unite, towards strengthening the African Union (AU).

Speaking on Monday during the opening of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Council of Ministers meeting and the African Private Sector Dialogue on AfCFTA in Nairobi, Ruto said AU should be empowered to negotiate on behalf of the continent.

“We can negotiate better if we are a unit," said Ruto.

He said Africa must fix its infrastructure to stimulate trade in the region, adding that the continent must establish a sustainable funding to accelerate the overhaul of its infrastructure.

Ruto noted that the lack of efficient transport system continues to impede investments, across the continent.

“This has made it costly to do business, thereby reducing the continent’s competitiveness."

The Head of State called for the speeding up of the establishment of a common payment, and settlement system to support trade between African countries.

“The system will be designed to eliminate the challenges of cross-border payments; this will accelerate intra-Africa trade,” he said.

He appealed to countries yet to sign and ratify AfCFTA to join their peers, in fashioning the next global economic powerhouse.

He said AfCFTA will stimulate commerce within Africa, generate jobs, enhance manufacturing and drive economic growth.

If actualised by 2035, AfCFTA will assist more than 30 million people escape extreme poverty, besides expanding intra-African exports by about 80 per cent.

Comoros President and Chairperson of the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government Azali Assoumani and Champion of the AfCFTA and Former Niger President Issoufou Mahamadou, were among those present.