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Raila Odinga: My 8-point vision for Africa

Raila Odinga: My 8-point vision for Africa
Raila Odinga. PHOTO/@RailaOdinga/X

As the race for the African Union Commission (AUC) chair intensifies, Kenya’s Raila Odinga has detailed his vision that he would want to be implemented if elected.

The former Kenyan Prime Minister said his election will usher in a new era of prosperity and peace. He also says that the African Union Commission can deliver on the priorities of the African peoples both by catalyzing delivery on our continent and by commanding the global influence it rightfully warrants.

“I am convinced that I am the ideal person to serve my continent and its Member States in this critical role as the African Union Commission Chairperson,” Raila said in his declaration.

The former Lang’ata Member of Parliament has outlined his vision, broken down into eight points.

The first of his points is economic transformation, and he argues that sustainable and equitable economic growth is foundational to our development.

“I will champion initiatives to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, attract investment, and promote innovation and entrepreneurship. I will drive policies that create jobs, reduce poverty, and improve lives.

“I commit to promoting industrialization, supporting manufacturing, and enhancing innovation through investments in education, healthcare, affordable energy, and skills development,” Raila’s declaration pointed out.

The second vision is enhancing intra-African trade, which Raila believes the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is a transformative opportunity to establish a common market and boost intra-African trade.

“Currently, intra-African trade is paltry, the lowest among other continents, hindering our economic independence and interdependence.

“I will advocate for open skies, visa policy harmonization, and infrastructure development to facilitate seamless connectivity and movement of goods and people across Africa. Overcoming these barriers will spur economic growth and position Africa as a global economic player and leader,” it added.

Kenya's African Union Commission (AUC) Chairmanship candidate Raila Odinga with Senegalese president Bassirou Diomaye Faye in Dakar. PHOTO/@RailaOdinga/X
Kenya’s African Union Commission (AUC) Chairmanship candidate Raila Odinga with Senegalese president Bassirou Diomaye Faye in Dakar. PHOTO/@RailaOdinga/X

Financial independence is also a key point Raila would want achieved under his watch.

“Africa must mobilize domestic resources to reduce reliance and overdependence on external funding. I will rally Member States and engage the private sector to finance AU priorities, ensuring sustainable development and delivery on continental goals.

“I will advocate for the reform of the global financial architecture to prioritize the needs of Africa to ensure equitable participation in global economic decisions,” it continued.

The Kenyan political figure has also outlined his vision around gender equity and equality.

“No demographic is more vulnerable to the challenges that face Africa than women and girls. This demographic is disproportionately impacted as refugees, farm workers, and victims of conflict and gender-based violence, and in all sectors, including education, health, food security, financial independence, and employment.

“Africa’s Agenda 2063 cannot be achieved unless marginalization, exclusion, and discrimination against women and girls are fully addressed. Throughout my life, I have been an indefatigable champion of women and girls. As Chairperson of AUC, I will prioritize opportunity, dignity, and security for women and girls across the continent,” the declaration revealed.

Raila Odinga President Alassane Ouattara of Ivory Coast. PHOTO/@RailaOdinga/X
Raila Odinga President Alassane Ouattara of Ivory Coast. PHOTO/@RailaOdinga/X

Agriculture and climate action

On agricultural transformation, Raila affirms, “Africa must feed itself. Africa needs to catalyze a transformative shift in its agri-food systems to cultivate more efficient, inclusive, and resilient agricultural practices. I will promote sustainable food production, agribusiness, and the modernization of agriculture to reinforce food security, foster job creation, and enhance rural livelihoods.

“Moreover, I will ensure Africa’s food systems are independent and secure from predatory practices. I will endeavor to promote market access within the continent and value addition in our agricultural and aquaculture sectors. This concerted effort will ensure sustainable development and address food insecurity in our continent.”

Topics around climate change have been dominating global debates, and Raila also has a vision on how he can contribute to the same.

“First and foremost, my priority is to ensure that African people do not pay for a problem that they had no part in creating. As such, I am focused on mobilizing the necessary support for climate change adaptation, enhanced early warning systems, and rapid responses to climate-induced shocks.

“Further, I will promote climate-positive investments and financing, leverage renewable energy resources, and integrate climate-smart strategies into our economic plans to secure a sustainable future for Africa. Importantly, I will raise Africa’s voice at international fora on climate change, climate action, and climate justice,” the declaration said.

Continental integration has been one of Raila’s clarion calls in his political life, and if elected, he will champion the same course.

“Strengthening regional integration and cooperation is essential for promoting trade, infrastructure development, and economic growth. I will support Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and drive implementation of initiatives to enhance continental unity and prosperity,” he stated.

Raila Odinga with The Gambia Vice President Muhammad Jallow
Raila Odinga with The Gambia Vice President Muhammad Jallow. PHOTO/@RailaOdinga/X

On peace and security, Raila said that he will prioritise conflict resolution and strife to end instability in the continent.

“Peace and security are essential prerequisites for development. In this regard, I will prioritize conflict resolution and work with African leaders across the continent to address the root causes of instability and promote functional institutions to create a conducive environment for Africa’s development and prosperity,” the declaration concluded.

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