Ruto: Africa Must Have Greater Say in Global Debt Decisions

Kenyan President William Ruto has called for greater African representation in global institutions, arguing that the continent’s contribution to the world economy should be reflected in its influence over decisions that shape international finance.

Speaking at the 81st United Nations General Assembly, UNGA81, Ruto said Africa could not continue to carry significant debt obligations while remaining marginal in the institutions responsible for setting the rules governing global finance.

He said the world must reconsider what equality among nations means in the current international system, stressing that no continent should be permanently excluded from the highest-level decisions on peace, security and global economic governance.

According to Ruto, Africa’s 54 countries are home to nearly one in every five people globally, yet the continent’s influence over international financial institutions remains disproportionately small.

“If Africa has a stake in the burden of debt, Africa must have a share in the decisions on how that debt is acquired,” he said.

Ruto also linked Africa’s debt challenges to the social consequences of debt servicing, saying resources that should support education, healthcare and development are sometimes diverted to meet debt obligations.

He argued that the issue goes beyond financial resources to the question of representation and decision-making power.

“This is not a plea for special treatment,” Ruto said. “It is a proposition for shared prosperity.”

The Kenyan president further maintained that a more industrialised Africa would expand global demand, while a more food-secure continent would strengthen global stability, and a better-connected Africa would help diversify global supply chains.

He added that Africa’s ability to finance more of its own development would ultimately make the continent a stronger economic partner for the rest of the world.