President William Ruto has challenged the East African National Assembly (EALA) to help change the narrative of Africa from a poor continent full of conflict and disease to one of many opportunities.
He said EALA is in a good position to reposition the continent as a destination for great potential and investment.
“Africa can’t continue to be described as a continent of poverty, conflict, and disease, but we have many resources, including renewable energy and agricultural land, that, if used properly, can change the lives of our people,” President Ruto said.
The Head of State said that this continent is rich and just needs its assets to be properly valued, noting that soon Africa will be one of the biggest markets in the world.
President Ruto said this on Tuesday during the official opening of the third meeting of the 5th session of EALA at the Parliament building in Nairobi.
At the same time, President Ruto asked the MPs to play a major role in regional integration so that East Africa becomes a beacon for the whole of Africa.
He also said that EALA, and other regional parliaments, should also play a role in making the Free Trade Zone of the African continent the future center of international investment, trade, and industry.
“To do this, we have to complete the implementation of all the pillars of the integration of the East African Community and thoroughly align our integration agenda with the broader concept of the transformation of Africa under the Africa We Want,” said President Ruto.
He said EALA must provide a strong framework for sustainable competitive advantage in emerging areas of high technology such as the digital economy, artificial intelligence technology, automation, robotics, and machine learning.
The use of technology will enable the region to effectively respond to threats and exploit opportunities in a rapidly digitalizing global economy.
Furthermore, President Ruto emphasized the need for EALA MPs to support efforts to reverse the effects of climate change, and especially the declaration of the African Climate Summit held last September.
The President said the declaration defines a significant and clear African contribution to the international dialogue on climate change, a major human challenge.
He said climate action and sustainable development will help promote investment in Africa and initiate a green industrial revolution.
Pointing out that there was a problem in the international financial system, President Ruto called for a new funding system that is fair and equitable for countries in the Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere alike.
The President announced that the EAC leaders have consulted with each other and agreed that they will bring one candidate for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission.
EALA Speaker Joseph Ntakirutimana praised President Ruto’s efforts in promoting peace and security in the area.
“Peace in the DRC, for example, needs a domestic solution so that peace can continue to exist in the country,” he said.
The Chairman of the EAC Council of Ministers, Deng Alor Kuol, who is also the Minister of EAC Affairs in South Sudan, said that peace and stability are still important in increasing trade and investment in the region.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi and his National Assembly counterpart Moses Wetangula, among others, attended the event.
