In a significant statement at a high-level event during COP28 in Dubai, Kenyan President William Ruto praised Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s decision to remove the petrol subsidy, emphasizing its potential impact on Africa’s development.
The event, themed “Africa’s Green Industrialization,” brought together African leaders to discuss strategies for sustainable growth on the continent.
President Ruto commended leaders, including the President of Zambia, for taking challenging steps to stabilize their economies. He specifically acknowledged President Tinubu’s bold decision to eliminate the subsidy, stating that such difficult choices are essential for propelling Africa forward.
Ruto expressed a commitment to making similarly tough decisions to ensure Africa’s progress and promised collaboration with global partners in addressing climate change challenges.
During his address, Ruto highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for Africa’s youth, preventing them from pursuing perilous routes to foreign destinations. He stressed the need to generate jobs within the continent and equip young people for sustainable employment.
Ruto also emphasized the significance of conveying to investors and development partners that Africa is actively pursuing green investment projects and leveraging renewable energy to transform existential threats into opportunities for investment, job creation, and overall development.
President Ruto called for collective efforts among African presidents to attract green energy investments to the continent. He pointed out that certain companies have already shown interest in investing in Africa, recognizing the immense potential and business opportunities available.
Ruto’s remarks underscored the importance of unity and collaboration among African nations to harness the potential of green energy for the continent’s sustainable future.