President William Ruto left for Moscow on Tuesday evening, October 27, to attend the third Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum, State House said.

In a statement, State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed said the President will use the trip to open new export markets for Kenyan goods and attract investment. The forum runs alongside an Africa-Russia Business Roundtable.

Trade and investment on the table

Ruto, who is the African Union's champion for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), is expected to push for wider market access for African tea, coffee, cut flowers, fresh produce and value-added goods.

At the business roundtable, he will pitch Kenya as an investment destination and a gateway to African markets, targeting investors in:

  • Energy and infrastructure.
  • Manufacturing.
  • Agro-processing.
  • Artificial intelligence, digital innovation and technology transfer, with a focus on skills for young people.

"The engagements will further focus on securing affordable agricultural inputs and strengthening food security," the State House statement said. Russia is a major supplier of fertiliser to Kenya.

Global governance reform

Beyond trade, the forum will discuss Africa's priorities in global affairs. "The Forum will focus on Africa's priorities, including reforms to global governance," the statement said.

Ruto has repeatedly called for at least two permanent African seats on the UN Security Council and fairer representation in global financial institutions.

On the sidelines, the President is expected to meet other heads of state, international organisations, financial institutions and major companies.

Mudavadi already in Moscow

Musalia Mudavadi, who is already in Moscow, will receive the President and join him in meetings with Russian officials, including Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

The trip comes as Moscow hosts dozens of African delegations for the forum, which is being held in the Russian capital on October 28 and 29.

Photos: Vladimir OKC via Wikimedia Commons (public domain); The Star. Thumbnail design: HAMASTA MEDIA.