Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has pointed out how engagement with key stakeholders is important in Raila Odinga’s bid to win the African Union Commission’s (AUC) chairmanship.
Just like Raila Odinga, Mudavadi is in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where Kenya is pushing with their bid to have the former Premier win the continental seat. On Saturday, November 9, 2024, Mudavadi attended a breakfast meeting where he engaged key partners in Africa and campaigned for Raila.
“Together with Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, I attended a breakfast meeting with Africa’s development partners in Addis. I was delighted to introduce Hon. Odinga to share his vision and priorities for the African Union Commission.
“Engagement with key partners and stakeholders is critical for Hon. Odinga’s candidature for the AUC chairperson,” Mudavadi said in a post on X.
Raila’s vision
On Friday, November 8, 2024, Raila officially launched his campaign and detailed his vision for Africa. The former Lang’ata Member of Parliament said his vision will be pegged on his desire to see Africa become peaceful, competitive, and an influential partner on global matters.
“I envision an Africa that is united, prosperous, competitive, peaceful, revered, and influential in the global arena. I envision a continent where industries flourish and cities are connected through high-speed rail, fibre optic cables, and data connectivity.
“An Africa that has open borders and skies, visa-free and free trade; this self-sustaining continent will be a place where people aspire to live, not leave. The youth must lead this transformation, driving innovation with AI and skills shaping Africa as a global leader,” he said.
Economic growth and the creation of a free trade area are also key focuses that Raila hopes to deliver for the continent if he wins the seat.
“My vision also includes an economically transformed Africa that harnesses its resources and ingenuity to become a global trade powerhouse, with the African Continental Free Trade Area fully realized to foster job creation and eliminate hunger.
“To fully achieve this vision, it will require a collective effort from all leaders, innovators, and every citizen working together to break barriers, foster unity, and create a future where Africa stands proudly on the global stage, symbolizing resilience, creativity, and unity,” he added.
To clinch the AUC chairmanship, Raila will need 66 per cent of the votes, which is equivalent to 32 countries voting in his support.
