President Ruto Advocates for AfCFTA, AU Peace Fund, and Climate Financing - February 2026

At the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, President William Ruto presented a report proposing to scale the African Union Peace Fund. He also stated that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) could boost Africa's GDP by approximately $1.4 trillion by 2045, urging a shift from negotiation to implementation. President Ruto urged African banks to finance the local pharmaceutical industry to bolster Africa’s health security, stating the continent can no longer depend on imported commodities. Additionally, he renewed Kenya’s commitment to the Green Climate Fund (GCF), aiming to boost financing for climate-resilient agriculture and low-carbon development.