Kenyan President William Ruto’s campaign for reforms to global lending institutions at the G7 Summit in France appears to have contributed to the adoption of a declaration prioritising debt reform and mutually beneficial international partnerships. The move is significant for African countries seeking improved access to financing and a greater role in global economic decision-making.
Speaking at the summit in Evian, Ruto called for Africa to be treated as a partner rather than a recipient of aid. He argued that African countries continue to face disproportionately high borrowing costs and said the continent’s risks are being overstated by international financial institutions, including the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation.
G7 leaders pledged to address fragmentation in the global development system and improve international financial infrastructure. The declaration places debt reform among its priorities, reflecting concerns raised by African leaders over access to concessional financing and development funding.
Ruto’s participation in the summit also drew criticism in Kenya. Lawyer David Ogoda described the invitation as a diplomatic mistake, arguing that it signalled an alignment with Western interests. He claimed Kenya’s presence came at the expense of South Africa, which has traditionally represented Africa at G7 meetings.
The debate follows reports that the United States pushed France to exclude South Africa because of tensions over Pretoria’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. France has denied any such pressure. Kenya was invited to the summit by French President Emmanuel Macron following the Africa Forward Summit held in Nairobi in May.
Separately, G7 leaders pledged $870 million to support Ebola response efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda and backed research into cancer in Africa.
The summit’s commitments could strengthen calls for reforms to global financial institutions and improve access to development financing for African countries. However, political debate over Kenya’s growing role in international diplomacy is likely to continue.
