Ruto to IMF, World Bank: Africa does not need anything for free

By Peter Ochieng

President William Ruto is pushing for equal financial architecture at the global stage.

Speaking on Thursday during a round-table with France president Emmanuel Macron, International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva and World Bank president Ajay Banga during the ongoing new global financial pact summit in Paris, Ruto said resources should neither be controlled by the World Bank nor IMF.

“Africa does not want anything for free. But we need a new financial model where power is not in the hands of the few so that we all have fair access to resources," said Ruto.

Amplifying president Ruto’s call for a review in the global financial system, president Macron said a bold and targeted approach can transform the world.

“We need a diverse but inclusive discussion on climate change to fix the game. No one should be left behind; not even China,” noted Macron.

According to State House, Nairobi, president Ruto earlier held talks with Colombia President Gustavo Petro.

They agreed to explore new areas of cooperation, such as trade and agriculture.

Similarly, he discussed Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) plan with World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom.

Ruto later met Haiti Prime Minister Ariel Henry.

Issues of mutual interest were at the centre of their discussion.