At the High-Level Meeting on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) held on September 5, 2024, President William Ruto of Kenya delivered a compelling keynote address, underscoring the BRI’s pivotal role in advancing Africa’s infrastructure and economic development.
Themed “Pursuing High-Quality Belt and Road Cooperation: A Platform for Modernisation Featuring Planning, Building, and Benefiting Together,” the event provided a platform for discussing the profound impacts of BRI projects on the continent.
In his address, President Ruto celebrated the BRI’s contribution to Africa’s connectivity and growth.
“Thanks to the BRI, Africa’s emerging connectivity profile aligns seamlessly with our continent’s aspirations as a future global leader,” Ruto stated. He highlighted the Trans-Africa Highway Network and the Great North Road, which together span nearly 70,000 kilometers of infrastructure, as critical to transforming Africa’s transportation landscape.
The President also emphasized how the BRI has enhanced Kenya’s strategic importance, positioning it as a potential global hub for logistics, trade, investment, and ICT.
He particularly noted the completion of the standard gauge railway, which will reduce the logistical burden on road networks and promote both regional and Pan-African integration.
Ruto expressed optimism about the High-Level Meeting’s focus on facilitating systematic and inclusive engagement among stakeholders.
He anticipates productive discussions on progress, insights, and opportunities for private sector investment, along with strategic deliberations on the African Railway Development Masterplan.
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