Ruto: Kenya-Zambia ties must deliver more trade, investment and jobs

Kenya's President William Ruto has called for deeper economic ties with Zambia, emphasizing that the relationship should be measured by the prosperity it creates, including increased trade, investments, infrastructure, and job opportunities for their citizens. Ruto made these remarks during the inauguration of Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema for a second term in Lusaka.

Ruto highlighted the progress Hichilema made during his first term, including resolving Zambia's international debt, restoring its standing with creditors, rebuilding confidence in the economy, increasing international reserves, and reducing inflation. He also praised Hichilema for expanding free education from early childhood through secondary school, which he described as an important investment in the country's human capital.

Ruto further stressed that Kenya and Zambia should focus on expanding trade, unlocking investment, connecting infrastructure, and markets. He argued that connecting their markets, capital, and productive capacity could create the scale necessary for Africa and its enterprises to compete at home and globally. Ruto also urged African countries to reduce their dependence on exporting raw materials without processing them locally and to industrialize, manufacture, and add value to their products.

The Kenyan President emphasized that political independence must ultimately translate into jobs, incomes, and greater prosperity for Africa's people. He highlighted the need to harness their potential, treat their young population as their greatest economic resource, and create opportunities for businesses and workers through increased intra-African trade.

This push comes as Zambia benefits from renewed investor interest in the copper-rich country, driven by rising copper prices and Hichilema's administration's efforts to expand production and strengthen the wider economy.