Sweeping institutional reforms by the African Union are unlocking trade opportunities across the continent, signaling a new era of economic integration, Kenyan President William Ruto said on Wednesday. Ruto told a forum in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, that the restructuring of key institutions, such as the African Development Bank, the African Export-Import Bank and the African Union Development Agency, as well as regional economic communities and mechanisms, presents hope for the continent. These efforts are laying the foundation for prosperity driven by investment, industrialization, manufacturing for global markets, and trade, Ruto said during the opening of the World Chambers Federation Africa Summit 2025. Ruto noted that as a result of the reforms, Kenyan manufacturers and tech start-ups are expanding across the region, demonstrating a strong conviction that Africa's economic fortunes lie in intra-African trade and cooperation. He added that the expansion of modern transport and communication infrastructure in Africa shows that the continent is preparing for a predictable and prosperous future. The two-day event brought together delegates from over 70 countries under the theme of Africa's Global Future: Integrated, Innovative, and Sustainable to discuss innovation and digital transformation for trade enhancement.
