- Excellency, President William Samoei Ruto
- Dr Wilfred Kiboro, Chairman of Nation Media Group
- Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen
Allow me to begin by congratulating Dr Wilfred Kiboro, and the entire Nation Media Group Team, for organizing the 4th Edition of the Kusi Ideas Festival.
Climate change is a global phenomenon, but the science is very clear that Africa is disproportionally affected by its impacts.
The climate crisis is therefore a threat to Africa’s development. But we should not lose hope.
For one, Africa is rich in renewable energy sources, making our continent pivotal in the search for climate solutions.
Second, Africa is home to talented and dedicated youth, spearheading initiatives aimed at building more climate-resilient communities.
Lastly, and most importantly, we have a shared vision for a more sustainable and resilient Africa, as outlined in Agenda 2063.
Unfortunately, a major hurdle continues to be climate finance.
Big emitters must pay their dues, but we also need to be serious about mobilizing greater domestic resources.
In Rwanda, we have established the Rwanda Green Fund to support public and private projects, and drive our country’s green economy.
No one, however, has everything it takes to face this common challenge alone.
Today, we are also faced with a food and energy crisis, deepened by the pandemic and geopolitical tensions.
This is yet another blow, to Africa’s fragile economies.
We have the objectives and the timelines. This is a good foundation.
What Africa needs, now, are result-oriented partnerships, within and outside the continent, to translate our ambitions into prosperity for all.
You have Rwanda’s full support, for this excellent homegrown African initiative.
I wish you a productive conference, and I thank you for your kind attention.