President William Ruto on Thursday held talks with former U.S. President Barack Obama in Washington, D.C.

The two leaders exchanged views on democratic developments, climate and peace and security challenges in Africa.

President Ruto termed it a “productive engagement”.

“We reviewed opportunities available to Africa’s young and dynamic demographic in tech, innovation, higher and technical education,” said President Ruto.

They also exchanged ideas on how Kenya and Africa can leverage on U.S. institutions and technological capacity to advance its interests.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of President of the Republic of Kenya.

The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, is certain that Ghana’s comprehensive grasp of digital innovation within her public sector space will create jobs and remain a key driver of economic growth.

He believes that with the ability of digital transformation being key to unlocking new levels of efficiency, transparency, and accountability within our public institutions, leveraging digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence, data analytics and blockchain, can streamline bureaucratic processes, improve decision making and enhance the overall effectiveness of government operations.

President Akufo-Addo was speaking at the 11th Annual Conference of Chairpersons of Governing Boards/Councils, Chief Directors, and Chief Executives of the Ghana Public Services held on Wednesday, 22nd May 2024 at the Rock City Hotel, Kwahu Nkwatia.

With Ghana committing to investing in digital infrastructure and connectivity, to bridge the digital divide and make sure that every Ghanaian has access to affordable and reliable internet services, by expanding broadband coverage, promoting digital literacy programmes, and supporting the development of local content and applications, Ghana can empower her citizens to participate fully in the digital economy and reap the benefits of the fourth industrial revolution.

It is for this reason, President Akufo-Addo noted, that I’m particularly happy that during my tenure of office, my government has embarked on an unprecedented agenda, of digitalising the business processes of the public services of Ghana, processes which are being championed by the Vice President, Dr Mahamadu Bawumia, the NPP’s excellent candidate for the forth coming 2024 presidential election, and by the grace of God, the next president of Ghana.

Aside Vice President Bawumia’s exemplary efforts, President Akufo-Addo also applauded the Senior Presidential Advisor, the Honourable Yaw Osafo Maafo, “for working with the Public Services Commission and other state agencies, to digitalise the process leading to the acquisition and renewal of services like passports, driving licenses, birth and death registrations, national identification cards ie ghana cards, national health insurance cards, and all other tax related documents of the Ghana Revenue Authority in record time and in the comfort of your homes, offices and even remote locations.”

He described the flexibility, convenience and cost management benefits digitalization brings to citizens as critical and enormous hence charged public services organisations to “improve our services through digital transformation, so we can deliver unmatched customer experience, to service users.”

“It is the vision of my government to reposition Ghana’s public sector, to embrace this digital transformation for higher efficiency, because this is one clear route through which our economy can become stronger and more robust,” he added.

He charged them to take this opportunity to appeal to all Chairpersons of Governing Boards and Councils, Chief Directors and Chief Executives of Ghana’s Public Services, to welcome and initiate actions to mainstream digitalisation of business processes in the public services.

“Two to three years ago, the coalition of external forces, in the form of the COVID 19 pandemic, and the effects of Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, meant that our economy found itself in considerable difficulties. We had to go to the International Monetary Fund, to repair in the short term our public financing, and restore our balance of payments, while we continue to work on the medium to long term structural changes that are at the heart of our goal of constructing a resilient developed Ghanaian economy,” he pointed out.

Since then, he continued, “our nation’s economy has turned the corner, and in the words of the IMF mission chief for Ghana, “the worst is over for Ghana”. By maintaining macroeconomic stability, ensuring debt sustainability, and building the groundwork for faster, and more inclusive growth, we are working to rebuild domestic and international investor confidence, once again, in the economy,” he continued.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team visited Lilongwe to discuss recent economic and financial developments, as well as economic policies that would underpin the First Review under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) Arrangement; The team had productive discussions with the authorities. Discussions will continue in the coming weeks to finalize policies to support the completion of the ECF review;Reform efforts will focus on returning to a sustainable fiscal path, rebuilding external buffers, restoring debt sustainability and external viability, while mitigating the El Nino-induced disaster.

An IMF staff team led by Ms. Mika Saito visited Lilongwe from May 12 to 23, 2024 to conduct discussions on the First Review of the ECF-supported program. The program was approved by the IMF Executive Board on November 15, 2023.

At the end of the mission, Ms. Mika Saito issued the following statement:

“The Malawian authorities and the IMF team made substantial progress in discussions on the policies and reforms needed for the completion of the first review of the ECF-supported program. We reached a common understanding on efforts needed to return to a sustainable fiscal adjustment path, rebuild external buffers, and restore debt sustainability. We also have a clear roadmap towards the completion of the review.

“Weather-related shocks continue to impact the Malawian economy, exacerbating food insecurity. The economic outlook for 2024 remains positive but economic growth is now projected at 2 percent reflecting the impact of El Nino on agricultural production and spillovers to the rest of the economy. A successful winter crop would cushion the impact of drought on the agriculture sector.

“The IMF team acknowledged the authorities’ firm commitment to successfully complete the first review of the ECF-supported program. Fiscal discipline remains critical in the face of elevated spending pressures. Rebuilding international reserve buffers and normalizing the foreign exchange market are critically important to facilitate the return of trade credit and reduce vulnerability to external shocks. Addressing weakness in governance and institutions remain important. Successful external debt restructuring is vital for macroeconomic stability.

“Discussions will continue in the coming weeks toward completion of the First ECF Review. The team would like to thank the Malawian authorities and other counterparts for their cooperation, warm hospitality, and constructive discussions.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The United Kingdom is proud to be a close partner of African states and their peoples. We are committed to working together through long term, reliable, cooperation, based on common objectives. 

At the regional level, the African Union is an essential partner in our shared efforts to advance peace and prosperity. We recognise the important role played by African Union-led peace support operations, such as in Somalia, and for the importance of predictable and sustainable funding. As many have said today, resolution 2719 was a significant step forward; it is now important that the UN and AU work together to develop and implement the necessary technical mechanisms to make it work in practice.

President, the UK agrees that we should amplify African voices in international fora. We strongly supported the AU becoming a member of the G20.  This was an important step in ensuring that global governance represents the world of today. 

But we should go further: we should reinforce Africa’s position in the Security Council. The UK supports permanent African representation. We should reform the international financial system, so it is fairer. We should ensure a greater role for the lowest income and most vulnerable countries in Africa on the World Bank and IMF Boards.

President, African countries have huge potential. But as the chair of the PBC said, sustainable development also depends on peace and security. We have a shared interest in working for a more stable and prosperous African continent. This means striving to address the underlying drivers of violence and inequality, including economic stress, climate change and social and political marginalisation. 

Greater collaboration between the UN and AU, and the members of this Council and the AU Peace and Security Council, can help address challenges such as the conflicts in Sudan and Eastern DRC, as well as unconstitutional changes of government. These problems, President, weaken the role of the state and undermine development. Working together we can solve them and help manage common, transnational threats such as climate change and humanitarian crises. 

President, accelerating progress towards the SDGs requires sustainable and inclusive growth and ambition to reduce vulnerabilities. It also means working to unlock the full potential of the entire population. That means educating and empowering women and girls, championing their health and rights, and ending gender-based violence. The UK is committed to working consistently with African partners to these ends.

I thank you.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Government of UK.