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

Jukwaa

📻 Breaking It Down

Speaking at the inauguration of Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema for a second term in Lusaka on Tuesday, Ruto said the two countries should focus on expanding trade, unlocking investment and connecting infrastructure and markets.

“Kenya will walk that journey with Zambia,” Ruto said after highlighting the economic progress made by Hichilema during his first term.

“Our friendship must increasingly be measured not simply by its warmth but by the prosperity it creates, by the trade we increase, the investments we unlock and the infrastructure and markets we connect and the jobs and opportunities we create for our people.”

📌 What You Need to Know

Ruto praised Hichilema for steering Zambia through difficult economic circumstances after inheriting a country that had defaulted on its international debt.

He cited progress in resolving the debt crisis, restoring Zambia’s standing with creditors, rebuilding confidence in the economy, increasing international reserves and reducing inflation.

Ruto also highlighted Zambia’s expansion of free education from early childhood through secondary school, describing the investment as an important contribution to the country’s human capital.

Hichilema has been credited with stabilising Zambia’s economy after taking office in 2021, including through debt restructuring and improved relations with international creditors. In his inaguration speech, he vowed to fucus his second-term agenda on moving from stabilisation to growth and expanding economic opportunity.

Ruto said the Kenya-Zambia relationship should form part of a wider effort to strengthen economic integration across Africa.

He argued that African countries could create larger markets by connecting their economies through the African Continental Free Trade Area.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya

0 0