Ruto Calls for Greater Investment in People to Drive Inclusive Growth in Africa

President William Ruto has urged African leaders and development partners to prioritize investments in people as a cornerstone for achieving inclusive growth and shared prosperity across the continent.

Speaking during the plenary summit of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) in Yokohama City, Japan, President Ruto noted that while Africa’s economies are among the fastest-growing globally, the gains have not sufficiently translated into tangible improvements in the lives of citizens.

“Africa’s economies are among the fastest-growing in the world, with Sub-Saharan GDP estimated to grow by 4 per cent compared to the global average of 3 per cent.

However, this growth has not adequately translated into poverty reduction, more jobs or even better health and educational services,” President Ruto said.

He emphasized that the continent’s future lies in substantially investing in people’s health, education, and overall well-being, stressing that such investments are critical to ensuring no one is left behind.

“For inclusive growth and shared prosperity to become a reality for our citizens, we must substantially invest in people, their health, education, and essentially their well-being,” he added.

The President’s call comes at a time when African countries are exploring ways to leverage rapid economic growth to address unemployment, inequality, and underdevelopment in critical sectors.

The TICAD summit, which brings together African leaders, Japanese government officials, and development partners, seeks to strengthen cooperation in advancing sustainable development on the continent.