Ruto to Travel to Ethiopia for Key African Union Summit
President William Ruto is expected to travel to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Friday afternoon to take part in the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly.
The high-level meeting brings together African leaders at a time when the continent is facing changing global economic conditions and growing geopolitical uncertainty.
The summit is expected to focus on setting Africa’s development priorities while accelerating the implementation of Agenda 2063, the long-term blueprint for the continent’s growth and transformation.
State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed confirmed that the President’s visit will centre on discussions aimed at strengthening cooperation among African nations and advancing shared solutions to economic and climate challenges.
The trip marks Ruto’s ninth official visit to Ethiopia since taking office, reflecting the country’s importance as a diplomatic and multilateral hub in Africa.
His earlier visits have included participation in African Union meetings, the United Nations Food Systems Summit, the Africa Climate Summit, as well as bilateral and working engagements, including a one-day visit in December 2025.
During the Assembly, President Ruto is expected to outline Kenya’s priorities in governance reforms, climate action, and regional trade expansion.
In his capacity as the AU Champion for Institutional Reform, he will present a progress report on ongoing efforts to make the Union more effective, transparent, and financially sustainable.
These reforms are seen as critical in ensuring that the continental body is better equipped to respond to emerging political, economic, and security challenges facing African states.
The President will also chair the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change, where he is expected to present a report highlighting Africa’s collective position on climate issues.
The discussions will focus on strengthening adaptation measures, improving climate resilience, and pushing for increased climate financing to support vulnerable African economies that continue to face the effects of global warming despite contributing minimally to global emissions.
In addition, Ruto will preside over the inaugural meeting of the African Continental Free Trade Area Committee.
The session is expected to reinforce Kenya’s support for deeper regional integration and the removal of trade barriers, with leaders seeking practical ways to boost trade among African countries and reduce reliance on external markets.
On the sidelines of the summit, the President is also scheduled to hold several bilateral meetings aimed at strengthening partnerships in key sectors such as trade, investment, healthcare, and regional security.
These engagements are expected to support Kenya’s national development agenda, including infrastructure expansion, increased agricultural productivity through irrigation projects, and efforts to enhance energy security across the country.
Although it was not immediately confirmed whether Ruto would hold direct talks with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Kenya has already signalled its intention to pursue a power purchase agreement with Ethiopia following the completion of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
The project, located in the Benishangul-Gumuz Region, is Africa’s largest hydropower facility, with an installed capacity of 6,450 megawatts and a construction cost estimated at Ksh647.5 billion. Notably, the dam was financed domestically by Ethiopian citizens without reliance on foreign loans.
Earlier on Thursday, February 12, President Ruto announced that Kenya would formally approach Ethiopia for electricity supply to address persistent power shortages in Mandera County.
According to the President, the government plans to install a temporary three-megawatt generator to stabilise power supply in the short term while fast-tracking long-term plans to connect the county to Ethiopia’s electricity grid.
The move is expected to provide a more reliable and sustainable solution for residents and businesses in the region as Kenya continues to explore regional energy partnerships.
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