5 Major Issues President Ruto Helped Advance at the G7 Summit

President William Ruto has concluded his participation at the G7 Summit in Évian, France, where he represented Kenya and pushed for Africa’s priorities on the global stage.

Invited by French President Emmanuel Macron, Ruto attended the summit from June 15 to 17, 2026.

Kenya participated as an agenda-shaping partner, presenting key issues that African leaders agreed on during the Africa Forward Summit held in Nairobi in May.

During the summit, Ruto took part in three major sessions and advocated for reforms aimed at strengthening Africa’s economic growth, investment opportunities, and role in global decision-making.

1. Financial Reform and Lower Cost of Capital

One of the main issues Ruto advanced was reforming the global financial system to make it easier and cheaper for African countries to access financing.

The President argued that many African nations continue to pay higher borrowing costs despite having economic fundamentals comparable to other regions.

He urged G7 leaders to support guarantees and risk-sharing instruments that can attract private investment into Africa.

“Work with us in building institutions through guarantees and other risk-sharing instruments,” Ruto said. “A guarantee, though not money, is confidence.”

The summit endorsed the use of guarantees, blended finance, and other financial tools to help mobilize private capital and support development across Africa.

2. Ruto Pushes for Debt Restructuring and Financial Transparency

Ruto also pushed for reforms in how debt challenges are handled globally.

The summit recorded progress toward a common approach to debt restructuring, stronger implementation of the G20 Common Framework, and greater transparency in debt reporting.

These measures aim to ease debt burdens and create a more stable financial environment for developing countries.

3. Local Value Addition in Critical Minerals

The President called on global partners to support Africa in processing and manufacturing its own resources rather than exporting raw materials.

Africa holds about 30% of the world’s critical mineral reserves, yet much of the value is created elsewhere.

Ruto urged investors to help build industries within the continent.

“Work with Africa to create value in Africa, process minerals in Africa, manufacture in Africa, build industries and create jobs in Africa,” he said.

The summit backed commitments on local value addition, processing, traceability, and responsible investment in critical minerals.

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4. Infrastructure Investment and Economic Growth

Ruto emphasized that Africa will play a central role in the future of global growth.

He noted that six of the world’s fastest-growing economies are in Africa and that the continent is expected to account for nearly 40% of the global workforce by 2050.

“Pay attention to Africa,” he urged. “The future of global growth will be shaped there.”

The summit supported expanded infrastructure financing through initiatives such as the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII) and the Global Gateway programme.

Also Read:“Pay Attention to Africa”: Ruto Sends Strong Message to G7 Leaders

5. Responsible Artificial Intelligence and Digital Safety

In discussions on artificial intelligence, Ruto highlighted the need for stronger protections for children and users of digital platforms.

He called for age-appropriate design, parental controls, age verification measures, and the rapid removal of harmful online content.

Kenya also advocated for stronger safeguards against online exploitation, grooming, and AI-generated abuse, while pushing for digital safety measures in Kiswahili, Sheng, and other African languages.

Kenya and Africa Leave with Tangible Gains
According to the State House, Kenya and Africa secured meaningful progress on financial reform, debt restructuring, infrastructure development, health cooperation, and global governance reforms.

The summit also strengthened support for local industrialization, healthcare systems, and reforms at institutions such as the United Nations Security Council, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank.

Ruto said Africa is increasingly shaping global conversations through ideas and solutions rather than simply participating in them.

“Africa is not a problem to be solved, but the greater part of the solution,” he told the summit.

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President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto at the G7 Summit in France. PHOTO/ PCS.