Following the conclusion of the African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, President William Ruto was named the next AU Institutional Reforms Champion.

The ceremonial and rotating AU Chairperson position is more important than the AU Champions position within the continental body. The accomplishment of Africa's Agenda is facilitated by the leadership of heads of state who have been nominated by their peers as champions. These leaders oversee key theme areas that the AU believes are essential for promoting growth and development. To facilitate the implementation of the Union's major programs, the champions are supposed to "garner political support and advocate for AU activities at the highest level possible, promoting political buy-in as well as full ownership by Member States.

Since the program's beginning, 22 heads of state and government, both living and dead, have consistently championed different thematic focal areas. Among them is H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, Kenya’s former president, who, while serving as Coordinator of the Committee of the African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change, represented the AU as its Champion for Climate Change.

President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, who has held that position since 2017, is giving way to President Ruto as the Advocate for the AU's Institutional Reforms. The AU has seen increased pace and intensity of reforms throughout H.E. Kagame's seven-year term. Known for his innovative and significant leadership style in his native country, President Kagame's appointment provided the much-needed boost, and he got right to work.

According to a state house briefing, Dr. Ruto's new responsibilities will include restructuring the composition, operations, and priorities of the African Union Commission, AU bodies, and specialized agencies to increase their efficacy and efficiency in overseeing AU programs.