Kenya’s candidate for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson seat Raila Odinga has shared insights into the discussions between him and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
Raila is accompanying President William Ruto who is in the country for a State visit.
He has been on an extensive tour of North Africa as he seeks the support of continental leaders ahead of the highly-anticipated election slated for February 25.
In a statement, Raila termed the visit as significant due to Egypt’s historical role in championing Pan-African ideals, as propagated by former President Gamal Abdel Nasser.
“President Nasser envisioned political unity, economic independence and regional integration as essential to building a self-sufficient and resilient Africa,” he said.
The principles, he stated, aligns with commitment to the Pan-African vision and the agenda of AUC.
Raila's campaign is anchored in a robust Pan-African vision aimed at
promoting peace, development and prosperity throughout the continent.
The talks among the leaders who included President Ruto also focused on enhancing bilateral relations, trade partnerships, and shared aspirations for continental leadership.
Central to this was on manufacturing and economic development, highlighted by a tour of the Arab Organisation for Industrialisation, a prominent defense and civilian manufacturing complex in the country.
The organisation, Raila said, is a proof that Africa is capable of producing goods to the highest international standards and generating sustainable employment through manufacturing.
“Egypt's growth in manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism position it as a model for economic development across the continent,” he said.
Improving peace and security and implementing an African Open Skies policy was also discussed.
Another key focus was Regional Economic Integration through the Regional Economic Communities (RECs).
The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), headquartered in Egypt, plays a crucial role in facilitating Africa’s economic integration and development.
This includes advancing the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
This is aligned with Raila’s Intra-Africa Trade agenda, which recognises the RECs and institutions such as Afreximbank as essential components in realizing continental economic integration.