Ruto Urges Japan to Back Africa’s Push for Fair Trade, Healthcare and Climate Justice – Switch News

YOKOHAMA, Japan — President William Ruto of Kenya used his platform at the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) to call for a new era of partnership between Africa and Japan. Speaking in Yokohama on Thursday, he said that Africa’s growth must go beyond statistics and translate into real change in the lives of ordinary people.

Mr Ruto praised Japan for its steady support in sectors such as education, health, agriculture, energy, infrastructure and security. He described TICAD as a unique platform built on “African ownership, inclusivity, openness, and genuine partnership.” But he made clear that Africa needs more than aid — it needs investment that creates jobs, industries, and lasting opportunities.

“Africa’s economies are among the fastest-growing in the world,” he said, noting that Sub-Saharan Africa’s GDP is projected to grow by 4 percent in 2025, compared with a global average of 3 percent. “Yet these numbers have not translated into meaningful poverty reduction, job creation, or expanded fiscal space for our nations.”

Call for Fair Trade and Industrial Growth

(Photo: Cabinet Public Affairs Office)

president Ruto criticised the current structure of global trade, where Africa exports raw materials only to buy them back at higher prices as finished goods. He said this imbalance locks the continent out of opportunity and blocks its path to industrialisation.

“By adding value to what we produce — coffee, tea, minerals, textiles or services — we build industries, create local wealth, and empower our people,” he argued. He urged Japan to support African manufacturing, invest in agriculture value chains, and finance renewable energy systems to power industry.

According to president Ruto, Africa is well placed for this transformation. The continent has vast land, mineral wealth, renewable energy sources, and a young, tech-savvy population of nearly 400 million people. With the right investment, he said, Africa can shift from being the world’s supplier of raw goods to becoming a hub of innovation and high-value production.

Kenya’s Example: Health and Economic Reform

president Ruto pointed to his government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which aims to create a fair and inclusive society by expanding opportunities and empowering communities at the grassroots. “Shared prosperity is the tide that lifts all of society,” he said.

He highlighted universal health coverage as one of Kenya’s recent reforms. The COVID-19 pandemic, he said, revealed the fragility of economies without strong health systems. In response, Kenya has invested in prevention, upgraded hospitals, trained medical staff, and secured vaccines and medicines through locally raised funds.

The result, he said, is remarkable progress: in less than a year, more than 25 million Kenyans have registered with the Social Health Authority — up from about 8 million in the old scheme. “Millions of families can now seek quality medical care without impediment, either due to lack of access or prohibitive costs,” he told delegates.

Still, he admitted, the system requires significant resources to sustain. He welcomed Japan’s support through contributions to the Global Fund, medical training, new facilities, and the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator, calling for these programmes to be expanded across the continent.

Youth, Education and Technology

president Ruto stressed that Africa’s youthful population is its greatest strength, but only if it is properly trained for the modern world. The Fourth Industrial Revolution — driven by artificial intelligence, biotechnology, robotics and digital innovation — is reshaping economies.

“Education and research must form Africa’s response,” he said. He called for stronger investment in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, and praised joint initiatives such as the African Business Education Initiative, the Timbuktoo Initiative, and the Africa Youth Programme 2025. He also urged deeper research exchanges between African and Japanese universities.

Climate Change and Global Justice

Turning to climate, Ruto said Africa produces less than 4 percent of global emissions yet suffers some of the worst effects of climate change. He demanded fair and predictable climate finance, along with urgent support for adaptation and mitigation measures.

“This is a question of justice,” he said, urging Japan to take a leading role in pushing climate fairness at the upcoming COP30 talks.

He also welcomed Japan’s backing for reforms at the United Nations. He called for Africa to be given permanent representation on the UN Security Council, saying the quest for peace on the continent cannot be separated from demands for equality in global governance.

Looking Ahead

President Ruto said the theme of TICAD 9 — “Co-create Innovative Solutions with Africa” — captures the urgent need for partnerships that go beyond numbers and policies. For Africa to unlock its full potential, he argued, societies must be made more inclusive, resilient and adaptive.

“Africa is blessed with resources and youthful energy,” he concluded. “But to transform this into prosperity, we must invest deliberately in people — their health, education, and well-being. Only then will Africa rise as a true partner in the global economy.”

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