- On Economic Transformation, he speaks of spearheading initiatives that create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
- He follows this agenda closely with a vision to enhancing Intra-African Trade by establishing a common market.
Image: RAILA ODINGA/X
Kenya’s candidate for the Africa Union Commission chairmanship Raila Odinga, has highlighted his priorities and strategies should he clinch the prestigious continental position during the February 2025 polls.
In his eight-point agenda, Raila has listed economic transformation, enhancing intra-African trade, financial independence, gender equity and equality, agricultural transformation, climate action, continental integration, and peace and security as his focus areas.
“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,” Raila states in his vision statement.
He further states that he envisions a united Africa that’s characterised by peace, prosperity, and sustainable progress for all, while advocating for the continent to harness its vast human and natural resources to take its rightful position in the current century.
On continental integration, Raila said he has his eyes set on strengthening regional integration and cooperation to promote trade, infrastructure development, and economic growth.
“I will support Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and drive the implementation of initiatives to enhance continental unity and prosperity,” he said.
On Economic Transformation, he speaks of spearheading initiatives that create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, attract investment and promote innovation and entrepreneurship which are key to achieving economic transformation.
“I will champion policies that create jobs, reduce poverty and improve lives. I commit to promoting industrialisation, supporting manufacturing, and enhancing innovation through investments in education, technology, healthcare, affordable energy and skills development.”
He follows this agenda closely with a vision to enhance Intra-African Trade by establishing a common market.
Raila notes that intra-African trade is currently the lowest among other continents and hinders Africa’s economic independence and interdependence.
“I will advocate for open skies, visa policy harmonisation and infrastructure development to facilitate seamless connectivity and movement of goods and peoples across Africa.”
He holds that overcoming these barriers will spur economic growth and position Africa as a global economic player and leader.
Still on economic issues, the Azimio chief speaks of his intention to boost Africa’s financial independence by way of mobilizing domestic
resources to reduce reliance and overdependence on external funding.
“I will rally the Member States and engage the private sector to finance AU priorities, ensuring sustainable development and delivery on continental goals. I will also advocate for the reform of the global financial architecture to ensure Africa's equitable participation in global economic decisions,” he says.
On peace and security, Raila says he will prioritise conflict prevention and 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.
This, he says, follows the realisation that peace and security are essential prerequisites for development.
As far as climate change is concerned, Raila says Africa and her people do not deserve to pay for a problem they had no part in creating. As such, he says he will focus on mobilising the necessary support for climate change adaptation, enhanced early warning systems, and rapid responses to climate-induced shocks.
“Further, I will promote climate[1]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.”
On matters touching on gender equity and equality, the Azimio leader says no demographic is more vulnerable to the challenges that face Africa than women and girls, particularly as victims of conflict and gender-based violence.
He points out that Africa’s Agenda 2063 cannot be achieved unless marginalisation, exclusion and discrimination against women and girls are fully addressed.
“Throughout my life, I have been an indefatigable champion of the rights of women and girls. As Chairperson of AUC, I will prioritise opportunity, dignity, and security for women and girls across the continent.”
Raila also speaks of a food secure Africa being part of his priority areas as he exudes confidence of clinching the AU top seat.
He says Africa needs to catalyse a transformative shift in her agri-food systems to cultivate more efficient, inclusive and resilient agricultural practices while ensuring food systems are independent and secure from predatory practices if the continent is to achieve agricultural transformation.
He says he will lead from the continent from the front in this all important quest.
“I will promote sustainable food production, agribusiness and the modernisation of agriculture to reinforce food security, to foster job creation and enhance rural livelihoods. I will endeavour to promote market access within the continent and value addition in our agricultural and aquaculture sectors,” Raila said.
Raila has thus far bagged support from at least 19 nations and is 15 countries shy of crossing the magical 34 countries requirement for a first-round win.
President William Ruto who is fully behind his AU Commission candidature will next week on Tuesday launch the Opposition chief’s candidacy in Nairobi setting the stage for a cross-continental campaign.
Raila will face off with Djibouti’s Mohamoud Youssouf, Anil Gayan (Mauritius) and Richard Randriamandrato (Madagascar) for the African Union Commission chairmanship in the race to succeed the outgoing chairman Moussa Faki of Chad.
Somalia’s hopeful for the AU job, former Foreign Affairs Minister Fawzia Yusuf, dropped her bid.