President William Ruto has urged for further cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Africa in the development and long-term use of clean energy. Speaking at the Saudi-Africa Summit in Riyadh, President Ruto emphasized the potential for the region to harness sustainable green energy, while also urging for increased resources for Africa.

The summit, aimed at enhancing political coordination and addressing regional security threats, focuses on promoting economic transformation through research and the local development of new energy solutions, as well as boosting investment cooperation. Ruto, representing Africa, expressed the continent’s eagerness to strengthen commercial and investment ties with Arab states to promote regional and global stability.

Highlighting the importance of exploring investment opportunities in the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement, Ruto suggested Kenya as a gateway for Arab nations. He envisioned a vast belt of peace, security, stability, and prosperity covering the Middle East and Africa through strengthened complementarities.

President Ruto also urged Saudi Arabia to invest in African financial institutions to enhance the continent’s resilience to economic turbulence, emphasizing the emerging market’s hunger for development and attractive investment opportunities. He stressed the need for partnership in education, training, and human resources to cultivate skilled workers and enhance sustained productivity and competitiveness.

The president finally proposed joint efforts between Africa and Saudi Arabia to confront contemporary security threats and conflicts in neighboring states. With a vision for a collaborative approach, he emphasized the potential for both regions to work together for mutual benefit and shared prosperity.