President Ruto Arrives in South Korea for Historic Trade Summit with African Leaders

President William Ruto is set to visit South Korea as part of a significant diplomatic and economic initiative. His visit, which begins with his arrival on Monday evening, is part of a broader event where 54 African leaders or their representatives are arriving in Seoul for the Korea-Africa Summit 2024. This summit, hosted by the Korean government, is the first of its kind and aims to enhance trade relations and investment between Africa and Korea.

During his stay, President Ruto plans to explore various partnerships, focusing on sectors critical to Kenya’s economic transformation agenda, such as agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and public health. The discussions are expected to culminate in the signing of several trade agreements designed to boost bilateral trade and economic cooperation.

The Korea-Africa Summit is seen as a pivotal moment for Africa-Korea relations. The Africa Korea Economic Development Association (AKEDA) has urged African leaders to use this opportunity to adopt sustainable economic partnership frameworks that would increase trade and investment, foster inclusive growth, and enhance official development aid from Korea.

President Ruto’s visit to South Korea also underscores his commitment to enhancing Kenya’s international relations and economic integration. He has previously advocated for improved intra-African trade and has expressed support for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), highlighting Kenya’s role in promoting economic integration across the continent.