Ruto pushes for value-adding partnerships in Angola

President William Ruto has told African and European leaders that the continent is ready for partnerships that add value on African soil and create opportunities for its young population.

Addressing the 7^th African Union–European Union Summit in Luanda, Angola, Dr Ruto said Africa must shift from exporting raw materials to exporting finished products and innovation.

“Africa is ready to work with partners who add value on African soil, building industries and creating opportunities for young people,” he said.

“We must move from extractive partnerships to productive ones.”

Dr Ruto said Africa is deepening trade integration through regional blocs and the African Continental Free Trade Area, a single market of 1.4 billion people.

He urged the EU to join Africa in advancing digital transformation, strengthening cooperation on climate adaptation, and supporting fair and managed labour mobility.

The summit was attended by Angolan President João Lourenço, who is also the AU Chair, EU President Ursula von der Leyen, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, EU Council President António Costa, and several Heads of State and Government.

During a meeting with Mr Costa, Dr Ruto said Kenya and the EU enjoy a long-standing partnership strengthened by the Economic Partnership Agreement that took effect in July 2024.

He said the agreement gives Kenya duty-free and quota-free access to the EU’s 450-million market, creating growth opportunities for agricultural products.

“This agreement has expanded our space,” the President said.
“It opens new opportunities for our farmers and exporters.”

Dr Ruto also asked the EU to support Africa’s push to reform the African Union to make it an effective and unified voice.

“We call on the EU to support our agenda of reforming the African Union so that it can be fit-for-purpose,” he said.

“Europe’s experience can help us build an AU that responds to the needs and aspirations of our people.”

The two leaders discussed the worsening conflict in Sudan, the humanitarian crisis, and the destruction of infrastructure.

They agreed that the war cannot be resolved militarily and that Sudan needs an inclusive political settlement that brings together all actors, including civil society and political parties.

“A military path cannot deliver lasting peace,” Dr Ruto said.

“Only a broad, credible process can restore stability and hope for the Sudanese people.”