Ruto sustains calls for African Union reforms amid shifting geopolitical realities
By Faith Lagat, May 25, 2026President William Ruto has chaired the fourth virtual session of the African Union Ad Hoc Oversight Committee of Heads of State on Institutional Reforms, calling for stronger institutions, sustainable financing and greater self-reliance across the continent.
In a statement shared on his X account on Monday, May 25, 2026, Ruto said the committee reviewed progress in implementing the African Union reform agenda amid shifting global geopolitics and weakening multilateral systems.
“Africa must take greater charge of its future through stronger institutions, sustainable financing, enhanced domestic resource mobilisation, and full implementation of Agenda 2063,” Ruto said.
The president added that the reforms are aimed at building “a more effective, self-reliant, and responsive African Union capable of delivering for the citizens of the continent.”
Ruto currently serves as the African Union Champion for Institutional Reform and has been leading discussions on strengthening the organisation’s operational and financial independence.
Financial independence and modernisation
The latest session follows earlier reform engagements led by Ruto, including the inaugural meeting of the Ad Hoc Committee held in October 2025 alongside African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.
Ruto has previously stated that the African Union requires urgent restructuring to meet emerging political, economic and security challenges facing the continent.
Speaking during earlier regional meetings, he noted that Africa’s growing global influence and demographic expansion must be matched by stronger institutions and improved governance systems.
He has also linked the reform agenda to reducing dependence on external funding and increasing domestic resource mobilisation among African states.
The president said the reforms are intended to strengthen the African Union’s response to economic integration, climate change, peace and security matters, while improving service delivery to citizens across member states.
Agenda 2063 and climate financing remain central focus
Ruto has also championed climate financing reforms through his leadership role in the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change. In February 2026, he called for increased investment in clean energy, green industrialisation and climate adaptation projects across Africa.
The president said these efforts are closely tied to institutional reforms aimed at positioning Africa as a competitive and self-reliant global player.
As the continent marks 63 years since the formation of the Organisation of African Unity during Africa Day commemorations, the African Union continues to push for implementation of Agenda 2063, its long-term development blueprint focused on integration, economic growth and continental transformation.
The ongoing reform discussions are expected to shape future financing models and operational structures within the African Union as leaders seek to strengthen the organisation’s ability to respond to emerging global and regional challenges.