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President William Ruto is set to officially kick off opposition Chief Raila Odinga’s campaign for the African Union (AU) Commission Chairmanship on Tuesday, August 27, 2024.

The bid marks a significant moment in African politics, as Odinga prepares to take his vision of a united, prosperous Africa to the continental stage.

So far, Raila Odinga has outlined an ambitious agenda centred around economic transformation, enhanced intra-African trade, financial independence, gender equality, agricultural transformation, climate action, continental integration, and peace and security.

“This is Africa’s century. I envision a united Africa characterized by peace, prosperity, and sustainable progress for all. We must harness our vast human and natural resources and integrate our youth’s energy with our leaders’ vision and wisdom,” Odinga said.

Adding;

“As a lifelong Pan-Africanist, I will offer participatory leadership to ensure delivery on the priorities of the African peoples as envisioned in the African Union Agenda 2063.”

Odinga’s agenda includes several key commitments

1. Economic transformation

Odinga promises to drive sustainable and equitable socio-economic growth by creating an environment where businesses can thrive, attract investment, and promote innovation. “I will champion policies that create jobs, reduce poverty, and improve lives. I commit to promoting industrialization, supporting manufacturing, and enhancing innovation through investments in education, technology, healthcare, affordable energy, and skills development,” he said.

2. Enhancing intra-African trade

He aims to fully leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to establish a common market and boost intra-African trade, which he notes is currently “paltry, the lowest among other continents.” He plans to advocate for open skies, visa policy harmonization, and infrastructure development to facilitate seamless connectivity across Africa.

3. Financial independence

Raila stresses the importance of reducing Africa’s reliance on external funding by mobilizing domestic resources and engaging the private sector to finance AU priorities. He also plans to push for the reform of the global financial architecture to ensure Africa’s equitable participation in global economic decisions.

4. Gender equity and equality

Highlighting the challenges faced by women and girls in Africa, particularly in conflict zones, Odinga emphasized the need for opportunity, dignity, and security for women across the continent. “Africa’s Agenda 2063 cannot be achieved unless marginalization, exclusion, and discrimination against women and girls are fully addressed,” he said.

5. Agricultural transformation

Odinga’s vision includes promoting sustainable food production, agribusiness, and the modernization of agriculture to ensure food security and job creation. “I will endeavour to promote market access within the continent and value addition in our agricultural and aquaculture sectors,” he added.

6. Climate action

Odinga is committed to mobilizing support for climate change adaptation, promoting climate-positive investments, and ensuring Africa’s voice is heard on the international stage. “African people must not pay for a problem that they had no part in creating,” he asserted.

7. Continental integration

He aims to strengthen regional integration and cooperation to promote trade, infrastructure development, and economic growth across Africa.

8. Peace and security

The ODM Party leader plans to prioritize conflict prevention and resolution, working with African leaders to address the root causes of instability.

“Peace and security are essential prerequisites for development,” he said.

Raila Odinga’s career

Odinga’s long and distinguished career in public service and politics has equipped him with the experience needed for the role. From his tenure as AU High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa (2018-2023) to his time as Prime Minister of Kenya (2008-2013), he has been instrumental in advancing infrastructure connectivity, political reforms, and environmental conservation.