Ruto calls for Africa's investment in human resource

By Peter Ochieng

President William Ruto on Wednesday urged African leaders and other players to urgently invest in human resource, for economic growth.

The president, speaking in Tanzania during Africa Heads of State summit on human capital, said Africa's economic strides lie in empowering it's human resource.

He indicated that Africa must fix itself in a lane that will see the exploitation of the skilled, educated and productive manpower.

“We must — jointly with other countries and partners— design a sound framework that will consciously nurture and invest in human capital that yields high returns.”

“But we will also have a chance to transform our population explosion and youth bulge into a demographic dividend."

On her part, Tanzania president Samia Suluhu asked Africa to amplify investments in social services such as education and health, to improve productivity.

“Yet, this is Africa’s greatest asset; hardworking, multi-talented and industrious.”

The summit was held under the theme, "Accelerating Africa’s Economic Growth: Boosting Youth Productivity by Improving Learning and Skills."

Presidents Lazarus Chakwera (Malawi), Julius Maada (Sierra Leone), Filipe Nyusi (Mozambique), Carlos Vila Nova (São Tomé and Príncipe) and Andry Rajoelina (Madagascar) were among the leaders present.