Kenya to host Africa Green Industrialisation secretariat as Ruto backs AfCFTA trade push
By Mustafa Juma, January 28, 2026President William Ruto has reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), describing the framework as critical to boosting intra-African trade and unlocking new opportunities for both the public and private sectors across the continent.
Taking to his official X account on the night of Wednesday, January 28, 2026, after holding talks with AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene at State House, Nairobi, Ruto said Kenya strongly supports efforts to increase trade among African countries and reduce reliance on external markets.
“The African Continental Free Trade Area framework is central to boosting intra-African trade and unlocking opportunities for both the public and private sectors,” Ruto said.
He commended the AfCFTA Secretariat for steps already taken to ease trade among member states, noting that deeper continental integration would spur economic growth and industrial development.
Private sector
Ruto further emphasised the importance of the private sector in achieving AfCFTA’s objectives, saying Kenya is committed to working closely with the free trade area to harness private sector capacity, innovation, and agility.
“We are committed to working with the free trade area to harness the power and agility of the private sector, recognising its capacity and expertise as key to increasing trade among countries in our continent,” he said.
Green industrialisation
The Head of State also highlighted Kenya’s collaboration with AfCFTA in promoting green industrialisation, describing it as a pathway to climate-friendly trade and investment. He said sustainable development and economic growth must go hand in hand.
“Additionally, we are working with AfCFTA to support African green industrialisation, which drives climate-friendly trade and investment, demonstrating that growth and sustainability are not exclusive,” Ruto stated.
In a major boost to Kenya’s regional standing, President Ruto announced that the country has been selected to host the Africa Green Industrialisation Initiative’s secretariat. He said the decision reflects confidence in Kenya’s leadership on climate action, trade, and industrial policy.
“We are honoured to have been requested to host the secretariat of the Africa Green Industrialisation Initiative,” he said.