Ghana’s President John Mahama has praised President William Ruto’s ambitious development initiatives, particularly Kenya’s affordable housing program and the Hustler Fund. Speaking during a high-level African Union Financial Institutions event at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, Mahama said Kenya’s approach offers a powerful model for inclusive growth across Africa.
Mahama highlighted Kenya’s efforts in constructing 200,000 housing units annually, a project aimed at addressing urban housing shortages while creating jobs for youth and low-income earners. He noted that the program’s financing structure, where a 1.5% deduction is matched by government contributions, demonstrated a practical model of resource mobilization for sustainable development.
He also commended the Hustler Fund, a flagship initiative by President Ruto’s administration that provides accessible credit to small traders and individuals often excluded from formal banking systems. “The Hustler Fund is a source of credit for those who are financially unstable in their livelihood status,” Mahama remarked, adding that such interventions empower citizens to take charge of their economic well-being.
President Ruto, who also addressed the forum, emphasized the importance of strengthening Africa’s financial institutions. He called for African-led organizations that recognize local potential, are willing to take risks, and invest in the continent’s future. “We must strengthen Africa’s financial institutions, not replace what already exists, but build organizations that truly understand our unique needs,” Ruto said.
Both leaders underlined the necessity of African solutions for African challenges, stressing that the continent must reduce dependency on external aid by investing in homegrown strategies. The recognition from President Mahama signals growing regional appreciation for Kenya’s socioeconomic initiatives, while also serving as a call for collaboration among African states to adopt similar models that prioritize inclusivity and sustainability.
