Why President Ruto Is Leaving for Ethiopia

File image of President William Ruto Departing: Photo/PSC

On Sunday, September 7th, President William Ruto will leave Nairobi for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to participate in the second Africa Climate Summit and oversee the inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

As stated by State House, the summit will gather African Heads of State and Government to promote the continent's climate action agenda and green growth initiatives.

During the meeting, President Ruto is set to unveil a report called “From Nairobi to Addis Ababa: Africa’s Journey of Climate Action and Partnership”. This report assesses the advancements achieved since the 2023 Nairobi Declaration and suggests directions for upcoming climate initiatives.

“From Nairobi to Addis Ababa, Africa is charting a bold pathway in climate action and green growth,” President Ruto is expected to say when launching the progress report.

The President of Kenya will also observe the signing of the Cooperation Framework for the Africa Green Industrialisation Initiative (AGII).

This framework, backed by governments, financiers, the AfCFTA Secretariat, and private sector stakeholders, aims to attract investments and speed up the creation of viable green projects throughout Africa.

File image of President William Ruto Departing: Photo/PSC

“The Cooperation Framework for the Africa Green Industrialisation Initiative will mobilise investment and accelerate bankable green projects across the continent,” State House said in a statement.

President Ruto, serving as the chair of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC), is anticipated to advocate for changes in global climate finance.

These reforms include equitable carbon pricing, fair valuation of resources, and strategies to alleviate the debt burden on African nations.

He will also engage in discussions focused on unlocking new investment opportunities for the continent.

Following the summit, Ruto will speak at the Africa-CARICOM Summit, concentrating on reparatory justice, debt sustainability, and enhancing cooperation between African and Caribbean countries.

In addition, the President will be the chief guest at the inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, celebrated as a symbol of Africa’s self-reliance.

The Ethiopia-Kenya electricity interconnector, which is already operational, offers Kenya clean and affordable energy, boosts energy security, and aids in industrial development.

“The Ethiopia-Kenya power interconnector already delivers clean, affordable electricity that strengthens energy security, stabilises supply during droughts, and supports industrial growth,” the press release noted.

The regional power connection, along with the Kenya-Tanzania interconnector, is anticipated to enhance East African integration through cross-border energy trade.

Kenya's electricity demand has exceeded 2,392MW, highlighting the importance of additional renewable supply for industrial parks, special economic zones, ICT hubs, and agro-processing initiatives.

State House stated that the projects are in line with Vision 2030 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) by enhancing renewable energy access, increasing competitiveness, and promoting regional economic integration.

President Ruto's visit underscores Kenya's influence in promoting Africa's leadership in climate, green industrialization, and energy security initiatives.