Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has called on African governments to pursue long-term development plans that outlast political cycles, arguing that the continent already has the resources and talent needed to become a First World economy. Representing President William Ruto, Kindiki urged African leaders to believe in the continent’s capacity to shape its own future rather than treating development as an impossible ambition. Kindiki pointed to Kenya’s recent efforts to finance major infrastructure projects through a newly established Infrastructure Fund. The Deputy President argued that infrastructure projects should improve the lives of ordinary citizens rather than exist only as symbols of economic progress. Kindiki’s remarks come as many African governments seek new sources of funding for infrastructure amid rising debt levels and tighter global financial conditions.