The President invited Russia to work with African countries to build productive capacity, citing areas such as the African Continental Free Trade Area

President William Ruto in Moscow, Russia/PCS

President William Ruto has called for stronger Africa-Russia partnerships focused on creating jobs, transferring technology and establishing industries on the continent.

Speaking at the Third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow on Thursday, Ruto said Africa could no longer remain primarily a supplier of raw materials while importing finished products manufactured from its resources.

He stressed that African countries should instead focus on manufacturing, innovation and value addition to increase the benefits they derive from their resources and expand their participation in the global economy.

“We now must become a continent that manufactures, innovates, adds value, and competes in the global economy,” he stated.

Ruto said Africa was not seeking to withdraw from international trade but wanted to change the nature of its participation by entering into partnerships that strengthen local productive capacity.

“Going forward, we shall engage in partnerships that set up industries, transfer technology, develop skills and create jobs in our continent,” the President said.

Such partnerships, he noted, would benefit both Africa and Russia by creating new opportunities while supporting greater prosperity on the continent.

The leader maintained that Africa’s industrialisation should not be viewed as a threat to other parts of the world, arguing that a more productive continent would create opportunities for international partners.

“This is not a contest in which one side must lose for another to gain,” he said.

“A more industrialised, productive, and prosperous Africa is not a threat to anyone. It is an opportunity for the entire world.”

Through the agreement, Africa is integrating a market of 1.4 billion people, which Ruto said could provide the scale needed for competitive industries, expanded investment and regional manufacturing.

He identified agriculture as one of the immediate areas where Africa and Russia could deepen cooperation.

Ruto called for collaboration in affordable fertilisers, local fertiliser manufacturing, agricultural mechanisation, irrigation technology, research and agro-processing.

“Our goal is not merely to import more agricultural inputs, but to build the capacity to produce them locally and strengthen food security across our continent,” he said.

He also welcomed cooperation in energy infrastructure, engineering, mineral processing and manufacturing, saying investments should develop local industries and transfer technical expertise.

Ruto further linked industrialisation to climate responsibility, saying Africa should be able to pursue economic development while addressing the effects of climate change.

He said Kenya was demonstrating that industrialisation and environmental responsibility could advance together through investment in geothermal energy, green manufacturing and climate-resilient infrastructure.

“Most of our electricity generation comes from renewable sources, and we are expanding investment in geothermal energy, green manufacturing, and climate-resilient infrastructure,” he said.

The President called for greater investment in climate adaptation, early-warning systems, drought-resilient agriculture and technologies needed to strengthen African economies ahead of COP31.

“Africa must not be made to choose between protecting the planet and lifting its people out of poverty,” he said.