Africa-Press – Kenya. President William Ruto has said Africa stands at a critical moment in its history, urging leaders across the continent to prepare for rapid population growth, economic transformation and emerging global influence.
Ruto said by 2050 the continent will host nearly a quarter of the world’s population, positioning it as a key driver of global labour and economic activity.
“Africa is at a reflection point,” said the president during the Mashariki cooperation conference in Mombasa.
“By 2050, a quarter of the world’s population will be living on our continent, and that is just about 20 years from now,” he stated.
He emphasised that the demographic shift will give Africa the largest workforce globally, presenting both opportunities and challenges for governments and institutions.
“With the Africa Continental Free Trade Area, we will have the largest single market in the world right here on this continent,” he said.
“We have resources, we have assets, and we hold two-thirds of the world’s remaining arable land.”
Ruto highlighted agriculture and natural resources as central to Africa’s economic future, revealing his personal interest in farming as part of a broader push to encourage investment in the sector.
“I was told by the former president of the African Development Bank that the future billionaires will be farmers,” he said.
This, he noted, is the reason why “I am trying farming myself.”
At the same time, the President cautioned that Africa’s vast mineral wealth and natural endowments could become a source of risk if not properly managed.
“It is both an opportunity and a risk,” he warned.
“Because of what I have said about our continent, there is a need for thought leaders, there is a need for intelligence leaders to think about how we are going to organise ourselves.”
Ruto called for strategic planning, stronger institutions and visionary leadership to ensure the continent fully benefits from its demographic and economic potential.
His remarks come amid growing focus on Africa’s role in the global economy, as leaders push for reforms, deeper regional integration and sustainable development to harness the continent’s vast opportunities.
