President William Ruto has renewed calls for sweeping reforms of global financial and governance institutions, arguing that Africa deserves a stronger voice in decisions that shape the world economy.
Speaking on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France on Tuesday, William Ruto said institutions such as the United Nations Security Council, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank must evolve to reflect today’s realities rather than the power structures that emerged after the Second World War.
“We are not asking for special treatment as Africa, but there must be equal treatment,” President Ruto said during a media interview.
His remarks come amid growing pressure from African leaders for greater representation in international decision-making bodies. Many argue that institutions established in the aftermath of World War II no longer adequately reflect the economic and demographic weight of developing nations.
President Ruto said Africa was largely absent when many of the world’s most influential financial and governance structures were created in 1945, leaving the continent with limited influence over decisions that continue to affect its development.
“As the African continent, we need a new paradigm shift with our partners. We need a new relationship and a new engagement,” he said.
The Kenyan leader framed Africa not as a recipient of assistance but as a critical player in the global economy. He pointed to the continent’s vast reserves of minerals, agricultural land and renewable energy resources, arguing that these assets place Africa at the centre of future economic growth.
He also highlighted Africa’s rapidly growing population, noting that by 2050 the continent is expected to account for a significant share of the world’s workforce and consumer market.
For that potential to be realised, William Ruto said several longstanding barriers must be addressed.
First, he argued that African countries need greater access to affordable development financing to support investment and economic growth.
Second, he criticised the higher borrowing costs often faced by African nations in international markets, saying the disparity limits development opportunities and places unnecessary pressure on public finances.
“We must also sort out the problem of global rating agencies exaggerating Africa’s risk, yet the continent is not as risky as they want the world to believe,” he said.
His comments echo concerns raised by several African governments, which have long argued that risk assessments can make borrowing more expensive despite improvements in economic management across parts of the continent.
President Ruto also called for Africa’s inclusion in discussions surrounding emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, warning that decisions about the future of technology should not be made without the participation of regions that will be deeply affected by them.
The President expressed optimism that discussions among world leaders at the G7 Summit could help advance efforts to reform the United Nations Security Council.
“This meeting will be an opportunity for Africa to have a forthright and candid conversation with our partners,” he said, adding that the United Nations “must not be run by an administrator but by a reformer”.
While calls for reform of global institutions have gathered momentum in recent years, changes to bodies such as the UN Security Council remain politically sensitive and require broad international support. Nonetheless, African leaders continue to press for a greater role in shaping decisions on finance, security and development.
For President Ruto, the message in France was clear: Africa is no longer content to watch from the sidelines. It wants a seat at the table where the rules of the global economy are written.
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