Kenyan President William Ruto has revealed details of his recent meeting with Botswana’s President Duma Boko during a visit to Accra, Ghana.

In a post shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, President Ruto stated, “I held talks with President Duma_Boko of Botswana in Accra, Ghana. President Boko pledged his support for Hon. Raila Odinga’s African Union Commission chairperson bid.”

The endorsement of Raila Odinga, Kenya’s opposition leader, for the influential African Union Commission chairperson role is seen as a significant boost to the campaign. Odinga’s candidacy has garnered attention across the continent as leaders rally behind a vision for an Africa driven by unity and development.

Addressing regional economic matters, President Ruto underscored the transformative potential of the Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA). “The implementation of the TFTA, comprising COMESA, EAC, and SADC, will establish a market of 700 million people,” Ruto said.

He further highlighted the synergy between the free trade area and proposed African Union reforms. “Alongside the proposed AU reforms, this free trade area will unlock Africa’s potential, expand opportunities, alleviate poverty, and leverage shared prosperity,” the Kenyan leader added.

The TFTA is a landmark initiative aiming to integrate three major regional economic blocs, enhancing trade across Africa by reducing barriers and fostering economic growth.