President William Ruto has called on the G7 nations and the broader international community to recognise Africa as a key driver of future global economic growth, urging stronger partnerships that create value on the continent rather than perpetuating traditional extractive economic relationships.

Speaking during the G7+ working session on “Reviving Balanced and Shared Growth for All” on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, Ruto argued that Africa’s growing population, expanding workforce, abundant natural resources, and technological potential make the continent central to the future of global prosperity.

The president noted that six of the world’s fastest-growing economies are located in Africa and projected that within the next 25 years, one in every four people globally will be African. By 2050, he said, Africa is expected to account for nearly 40 per cent of the world’s workforce and represent a market of more than 2.4 billion people.

“If we are serious about accelerating global growth, then we must pay attention to Africa. There is no region in the world with greater potential to drive shared and sustainable prosperity. Africa is also home to many of the critical minerals powering the global economy and the technologies of the future. The minerals required for electric mobility, clean energy, digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing are increasingly found on our continent,” Ruto said.

Role of Africa in clean energy and technology

He highlighted Africa’s strategic importance in the global transition to clean energy and advanced technologies, pointing out that the continent hosts many of the critical minerals required for electric mobility, renewable energy systems, digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing.

However, Ruto criticised the long-standing economic model in which Africa primarily exports raw materials with minimal value addition. He argued that such an approach no longer serves the continent’s interests and called for a new era of equitable partnerships based on mutual respect, sovereign equality, and shared prosperity.

The president urged global partners to support industrialisation efforts within Africa by investing in local processing, manufacturing, and job creation.

“Our proposition is simple: work with us to create value in Africa. Let us process our minerals in Africa. Let us manufacture in Africa. Let us build industries in Africa. Let us create jobs in Africa,” he said.

According to Ruto, strengthening African economies would not only benefit the continent but also contribute to more resilient global supply chains, larger consumer markets, increased investment opportunities, and stronger global economic growth.

He further stressed that Africa is rich in resources, talent, and opportunities, and what the continent requires are partnerships that unlock its full potential.

Ruto delivered a direct appeal to the G7, saying the future of global growth will be shaped in Africa and that the opportunity before the international community is to build that future together.

“My message to the G7 is clear: pay attention to Africa. The future of global growth will be shaped in Africa. The opportunity before us is to build that future together,” he added.

The president’s remarks come amid increasing calls from African leaders for reforms in global trade and investment frameworks that support value addition, industrial development, and inclusive economic growth across the continent.