President William Ruto has departed for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to attend the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly. As the AU Champion for Institutional Reform, Ruto is set to lead critical discussions on reshaping the continental body to be more effective, financially autonomous, and relevant to the challenges of the 21st century.

The President’s agenda is packed with high-stakes meetings. Beyond institutional reforms, he will be presenting a progress report in his capacity as the Chair of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC). This summit comes at a pivotal time when the continent is grappling with the dual crises of climate change and conflict, requiring a unified and robust African voice on the global stage.

The Reform Agenda

"Our goal is to ensure the African Union works efficiently for the people it serves," State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed stated. President Ruto has been a vocal critic of the AU’s reliance on external funding, arguing that it compromises African sovereignty. He is expected to push for member states to meet their financial obligations to operationalize the AU Peace Fund and other critical instruments.

Additionally, the President will participate in the inaugural meeting of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Committee. His focus will be on removing non-tariff barriers that continue to stifle intra-African trade, unlocking the economic potential of a market of over 1.3 billion people.

• Institutional Reform: Ruto will present proposals to streamline the AU Commission and enhance its implementation capacity.
• Climate Action: As CAHOSCC Chair, he will advocate for climate finance and a unified African position ahead of global climate talks.
• Trade Integration: The President will champion the full implementation of the AfCFTA to boost intra-continental commerce.

Kenya’s Continental Leadership

President Ruto’s active role in Addis Ababa underscores Kenya’s deepening influence in continental affairs. By spearheading reforms and climate action, he is positioning Nairobi as a diplomatic heavyweight.

As the jet touches down in Ethiopia, the President carries with him not just Kenya’s interests, but a vision for a more self-reliant and integrated Africa. The outcomes of this weekend’s deliberations will determine whether the AU can finally transition from a talking shop to a vehicle for tangible development.