Ruto urges G7 to shift from raw material extraction to industrial partnerships with Africa

President William Ruto has called on world leaders to rethink their economic engagement with Africa, urging a shift from the extraction of raw materials to industrial partnerships focused on value addition, manufacturing, and job creation on the continent.

Speaking at a G7+ working session during the G7 Summit in Evian, France, Ruto said Africa’s rapidly growing population, expanding workforce, and vast reserves of critical minerals position it at the centre of future global growth.

“Africa is central to the future of global growth and prosperity,” he said, noting that the continent supplies key resources driving clean energy, electric mobility, digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing.

Ruto warned that the prevailing economic model, which prioritises the export of raw materials with limited local processing, is no longer acceptable. “For too long, Africa’s engagement with the rest of the world has been defined by the extraction of raw materials with limited value addition on the continent. That model is no longer acceptable,” he said.

He instead called for a new approach based on mutual benefit and industrial development within Africa.

“Africa is not seeking extractive relationships. We are seeking partnerships founded on sovereign equality, mutual respect, and shared prosperity,” Ruto said.

The President urged global partners to support efforts to process minerals locally, build manufacturing capacity, and create jobs on the continent. “Our proposition is simple: work with us to create value in Africa. Let us process our minerals in Africa. Let us manufacture in Africa. Let us build industries in Africa,” he said.

Ruto added that keeping more value chains within Africa would strengthen both African economies and global markets.

“Stronger African economies mean stronger global supply chains, larger consumer markets, greater investment opportunities, and more resilient growth,” he said.

He concluded by urging the G7 to recognise Africa’s central role in the future of the global economy.

“The future of global growth will be shaped in Africa. The opportunity before us is to build that future together,” he said.