Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Wednesday to participate in the Mjadala Afrika debate, where he will present his candidacy for the chairmanship of the African Union (AU) Commission.
Joining him in the debate are Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and former Madagascar Foreign Minister Richard James Randriamandrato. Notably, Anil Kumarsingh Gayan from Mauritius has withdrawn from the competition, endorsing Mr Odinga’s candidacy.
Upon his arrival, Mr Odinga received a warm welcome from Kenya’s Deputy Head of Mission in Ethiopia, Petronila Were.
In his vision statement, Mr Odinga articulated the need for an AU Commission that prioritizes the needs of African citizens, particularly in light of pressing global challenges. He draws upon his extensive experience as a pan-African leader, asserting his qualifications for the AU Commission chairperson role.
His vision is anchored in eight strategic pillars: economic transformation, enhancing trade, financial independence, gender equity, agricultural transformation, climate action, integration, and peace and security. He advocates for sustainable and equitable economic growth as the bedrock of development, pledging to foster initiatives that promote a favourable business climate, attract investments, and stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship.
Mr Odinga is particularly focused on policies aimed at job creation, poverty alleviation, and enhancing the quality of life for Africans. He identifies the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a powerful catalyst for establishing a unified market and increasing intra-Africa trade, which he notes is currently the lowest among global regions.
His proposals include advocating for open skies and harmonizing visa policies to promote seamless connectivity throughout the continent. He emphasizes that removing these barriers is crucial for economic growth and for positioning Africa as a significant player in the global economy. In addressing financial independence, Mr. Odinga stresses the imperative for Africa to harness its resources to lessen its dependence on external financing.
He commits to mobilizing member states and engaging the private sector to secure funding for AU initiatives, thereby ensuring sustainable development. Additionally, he plans to advocate for reforms in the global financial architecture that would better accommodate Africa’s specific needs.
