NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto departed Friday afternoon for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to attend the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU).
In a statement, State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed said African leaders will use the summit to set continental priorities amid global economic shifts and geopolitical uncertainty.
President Ruto is expected to present a progress report on efforts to strengthen the AU’s institutional effectiveness, credibility, and financial sustainability, a reform agenda aimed at reducing donor dependence and improving operational efficiency within the continental body.
The President will also chair the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC).
During the session, he is set to table the committee’s report and help consolidate Africa’s common position on climate action ahead of upcoming global negotiations.
Kenya has consistently advocated for climate justice, including reform of global financial systems to support vulnerable economies facing the impact of climate change.
In addition, Ruto will chair the inaugural meeting of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Committee of Heads of State and Government. The meeting is expected to focus on deepening regional integration, addressing non-tariff barriers, and expanding intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area framework.
The AfCFTA, which came into force in 2021, seeks to create a single continental market for goods and services, enhancing competitiveness and industrialisation across member states.
The AU Summit will also provide a platform for bilateral engagements. According to the State House, President Ruto will hold meetings on the margins of the summit to advance partnerships in trade, investment, health, and security.
“On the margins of the Summit, President Ruto will hold bilateral engagements to advance partnerships in trade, investment, health, and security, and mobilise support for Kenya’s national transformation agenda, spanning infrastructure, agro-industrial development supported by expanded irrigation, and energy security,” the statement read in part.
The Addis Ababa meeting comes at a time when African economies are grappling with debt pressures, climate-related shocks, and shifting global supply chains.
Leaders are expected to deliberate on strategies to enhance economic resilience and collective bargaining power in multilateral forums.
Kenya’s participation positions the country at the centre of key continental discussions on reform, climate policy, and trade integration, as Nairobi continues to project itself as an influential voice in regional and global governance.
