Ruto touts Kenya as Africa’s gateway at Belgium business forum in Brussels
By Cynthia Lodite, June 8, 2026President William Ruto has addressed the Kenya-Belgium Business Forum, urging stronger economic ties between Africa and Europe based on equality and mutual benefit.
In his statement on Monday, June 8, 2026, Ruto pushed for the inclusion of Kenya as a gateway in offering access to Africa’s key global markets.
“Africa is the opportunity of this century, with the resources, talent, and potential to drive global growth. And if Africa is the opportunity, Kenya is the gateway, offering access to Africa’s 1.4 billion people and key global markets,” Ruto said.
In his address to the Kenya–Belgium Business Forum in Brussels, Ruto championed a new Africa-Europe partnership founded on sovereign equality, mutual benefit, and shared prosperity.
At the forum, Kenya showcased investment opportunities in agribusiness, logistics, technology, clean energy, and the circular economy.
At the same time, Kenya invited Belgian and Benelux businesses to partner with Kenya in value addition, manufacturing, innovation, and sustainable industrialisation.
In addition, Ruto officiated the launch of the Kenya–Benelux Chamber of Commerce, a permanent bridge connecting Kenyan enterprise with the investors, innovators, and markets of Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.
“I also officiated the launch of the Kenya–Benelux Chamber of Commerce, a permanent bridge connecting Kenyan enterprise with the investors, innovators, and markets of Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. Africa is the opportunity. Kenya is the gateway. Let us build stronger partnerships that expand trade, create jobs, and unlock shared prosperity for our peoples,” Ruto stated.
Ruto in Europe
President William Ruto departed Kenya on Sunday, June 7,2026 afternoon for official visits to Belgium and Norway, and a state visit to Finland.
In the European countries, the Head of State aims to attract investment, expand market access for Kenyan products and strengthen partnerships that boost exports, create jobs and drive economic growth.
State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, in a statement on Sunday, said Ruto will also engage business leaders on opportunities in value addition, manufacturing, agriculture and logistics.
“During the Official Visit to Belgium, the President will hold talks with His Majesty King Philippe and Mr Matthias Diependaele, Minister-President of Flanders, on strengthening bilateral relations, trade and investment,” said Hussein.