President William Ruto has lauded the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) for its role in transforming Africa’s economies, particularly in infrastructure development.
He said this during his opening remarks at a high-level meeting on the initiative in Beijing. Themed “Pursuing High-Quality Belt and Road Cooperation: A Platform for Modernization,” the event focused on enhancing cooperation between China and participating nations.
Addressing global leaders, including China’s President Xi Jinping and African Union Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat, Ruto praised the BRI for aligning with Kenya’s economic development priorities and contributing to key sectors such as agriculture, trade, manufacturing, and telecommunications.
He emphasized the initiative’s role in boosting productivity in rural and urban areas by improving mobility, market access, and creating opportunities for youth and women.
“I am proud to state that in Kenya, the Belt and Road Initiative has done all this, significantly enhancing productivity in both rural and urban areas by facilitating efficient mobility and market access and creating new opportunities for women and youth. Because of the inattentional alignment of these projects with Kenya’s economic development priorities, they continue to deliver substantial benefits in every critical sector from agriculture, manufacturing and trade to environmental protection and information, communication and technology.,” Ruto said.
Read also:Ruto Appoints Owalo to Oversee Public Service and Delivery Units
He further highlighted the transformative impact of BRI projects on Africa, noting improvements in telecommunications infrastructure that have increased economic activity, especially in remote areas.
He also underscored the importance of connectivity through infrastructure development, peace, and security in achieving sustainable growth.
“Without a doubt, the implementation of Belt and Road projects has begun to transform African economies and to spread undeniable investment and other opportunities in sectors like finance, manufacturing and agriculture throughout the BRI ecosystem. Consequently, this has promoted our continent’s productive and competitive potential and strengthened the partnership between Africa and China,” Ruto added.
The Belt and Road Initiative, launched by President Xi Jinping in 2013, aims to enhance global trade and infrastructure development by connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa through a network of land and sea routes.
