President William Ruto has voiced strong support for the establishment of a tripartite trade agreement uniting the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the East African Community (EAC), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Speaking during a meeting with Botswana’s President Duma Boko in Accra, Ghana, Ruto emphasized that this initiative, known as the Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA), holds significant potential to foster economic growth across the African continent.
The TFTA, once fully implemented, aims to create a single market comprising over 700 million people. Ruto highlighted that by eliminating trade barriers and enhancing market access, the trade pact will encourage intra-African trade and boost economic activity. According to him, this free trade area has the power to not only increase Africa’s economic prosperity but also contribute to poverty alleviation, opening up new opportunities for the people across the region.
The president also discussed the potential of the TFTA in tandem with proposed reforms within the African Union (AU). These reforms, Ruto believes, can be transformative for the continent, positioning Africa as a more unified and competitive global player. The long-term vision is to create a continent where shared prosperity is achievable, benefiting the diverse economies that make up the three regional bodies.
Additionally, during his visit, Ruto met with several African leaders to rally support for Kenya’s bid for the Africa Union Commission chairperson position. Botswana pledged its support for Raila Odinga’s candidacy, and Ruto was also able to garner backing from leaders in Togo and Equatorial Guinea. The elections for the next chairperson of the AU Commission are scheduled for February, with Odinga facing competition from Mahamoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti and Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar.
Ruto’s continued advocacy for regional integration and his diplomatic efforts showcase Kenya’s growing influence in shaping the future of Africa’s political and economic landscape.
