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Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has highlighted the need for Africa to enhance trade with itself to unhook itself from the shackles of underdevelopment and poverty.

Speaking during the Mjadala Afrika debate where he revealed his manifesto alongside his competitors, Djibouti Foreign Affairs Minister Mahamoud Ali Youssouf and former Madagascar Foreign Minister Richard Randriamarto on Friday, December 13, 2024, Raila confidently stated that the African continent was disadvantaged by the high interests on loans.

The veteran politician explained that the high interest on loans compared to other continents of the same status has negatively impacted the continent and derailed its development.

He underscored the significance of urgently addressing the issue of re-arranging the international financial infrastructure to steer development across the continent.

“Africa is the least developed continent by comparison looking at the economic statistics, but this is because of historical reasons. There are several factors which work against Africa for example the international infrastructure which has worked very much against the continent because African countries have been made to borrow money at very high interest compared to other countries of the same status. we need to address the issue of rearranging the international financial infrastructure. It is important that Africa enhances trade with itself,” Raila said.

The seasoned politician additionally vowed to push for the actualization of the dreams of the founding fathers of the African continent if elected as the African Union chairman.

“I am going to lead from the front to ensure that we achieve the vision of the founding fathers of our continent,” Raila said.