President William Ruto has criticised what he terms the unfair global climate financing system, stating that it has left Africa struggling under the weight of debt despite its contribution to the climate crisis being the least.

Speaking during a high-level solutions dialogue on climate finance on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on Monday, September 22, 2025, Ruto said the current model forces African countries to carry an impossible economic burden.

“Global climate financing is unfair, forcing Africa to raise most of its resources at home and placing an impossible burden on economies that have contributed the least to this crisis,” he said.

Ruto noted that African economies are being suffocated by illicit financial flows and a financing framework that punishes rather than supports them. He urged the international community to embrace a new approach that eases the pressure on vulnerable nations.

“The best way forward is to ease debt, mobilise domestic resources, unlock private and international public finance, stop illicit financial flows, secure a fair global tax system, and drive major investment such as the USD 100 billion framework led by Africa’s financial institutions,” Ruto added.

The President emphasised that Africa is not sitting back but is actively working to turn the climate challenge into an opportunity for growth. He highlighted initiatives already underway on the continent that show Africa’s determination to lead in green industrialisation.

“With bold initiatives like the Africa Green Industrialisation Initiative and the Accelerated Partnership for Renewables, Africa is turning climate solutions into engines of growth,” Ruto said.

He explained that these programmes are not just about responding to climate threats but also about positioning the continent as a hub for future industries.

“Africa is positioning the continent as a global hub for green industry, advancing a win-win for development and the planet,” he stated.

By calling for debt relief and a crackdown on illicit financial flows, Ruto placed the issue of climate justice and financing at the heart of his address, urging global leaders to acknowledge the imbalance that continues to weigh heavily on African nations.