President William Ruto is scheduled to undertake a state visit to Ghana, followed by an official visit to Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, April 2, 2024.
In a statement, State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed said President Ruto will engage in discussions with Presidents Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana and Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau, with a focus on enhancing diplomatic relations, fostering trade cooperation, and reinforcing historical bonds between Kenya and the West African nations.
In Ghana, President Ruto’s agenda includes highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts to strengthen democratic governance across Africa.
Additionally, he will pay a visit to the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) headquarters in Accra, to promote Kenyan tea and leather exports to Ghana. This endeavour will be supported by Memorandums of Understanding between public and private sector entities, aimed at facilitating trade under the AfCFTA.
“President William Ruto will depart on Tuesday afternoon for a State Visit to Ghana, followed by an Official Visit to Guinea-Bissauu. During his visits, he will hold talks with Presidents Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana and Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau, aiming to strengthen diplomatic, trade cooperation, and historical ties between Kenya and the two West African nations. In Ghana, President Ruto will emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts to strengthen and consolidate democratic governance in Africa. He will also visit the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) headquarters in Accra, with a focus on boosting Kenyan tea and leather exports to Ghana,” the State House Spokesperson stated.
President Ruto will also address the Ghana-Kenya Business Forum to explore investment and trade opportunities across various sectors.
Moreover, as the African Union Champion for Institutional Reform and Chair of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change, Ruto will advocate for transforming the African Union into a pivotal force for continental unity and economic revitalization, while engaging with other regions worldwide.
In discussions with President Akufo-Addo of Ghana, the focus will also be on addressing the climate crisis and Ghana’s commitment to implementing the African Leaders Nairobi Declaration on Climate Change, particularly through initiatives such as the Africa Green Industrial Initiative (AGII), which aims to promote green industries and businesses across the continent.
Press Release:
— Hussein Mohamed, MBS. (@HusseinMohamedg) April 2, 2024
President Ruto departs for Ghana, Guinea-Bissau visits pic.twitter.com/iagpzGgqem
“This effort will be supported by Memorandums of Understanding between private and public sector entities, aimed at improving trade between Kenya and Ghana under the AfCFTA. The Head of State will also address the Ghana-Kenya Business Forum to explore investment and trade opportunities across various sectors. Additionally, as the African Union Champion for Institutional Reform and Chair of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change, President Ruto will advocate for transforming the African Union into a leading force for continental unity and economic revitalization, engaging other regions worldwide,” State House stated.
Ruto in Guinea Bissau
In Guinea-Bissau, the Head of State aims to strengthen trade relations and explore new avenues for cooperation, particularly within Lusophone Africa under the AfCFTA.
This includes enhancing private sector involvement in key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and technology transfer.
