Raila Odinga: My vision for Africa if I win AUC seat

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at the African Green Climate Finance National Designated Authorities Conference at a Nairobi Hotel on Thursday, August 22, 2024. [Samson Wire, Standard] Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has outlined his priorities and strategies to transform the continent should he win the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship. Raila says he intends to ensure economic transformation, enhancing intra-Africa trade, financial independence, gender equity and equality. President William Ruto will tomorrow unveil Raila as Kenya's candidate for the position. Agricultural transformation, climate action, integration, peace and security are also part of his eight-point agenda seen by The Standard. "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," he says in his vision statement. He further states he envisions a united Africa characterized by peace, prosperity, and progress for all, and calls for Africa to harness its vast human and natural resources, and integrate the energy of the youth with the vision and wisdom of its leaders. On continental integration, he says 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 says. To enhance economic transformation, Raila notes that sustainable and equitable socio-economic growth is foundational to development and underscores the need to implement initiatives that create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, attract investment, and promote innovation and entrepreneurship, which are key to achieving economic transformation. And to enhance intra-Africa trade, he avers that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is a transformative opportunity to establish a common market and boost intra-African trade. Currently, he says, intra-African trade is the lowest among other continents, hindering 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 peoples across Africa. Overcoming these barriers will spur economic growth and position Africa as a global economic player and leader," the agenda reads. The Azimio leader, who says he has taken a backseat from active local politics to focus on his continental bid, also emphasizes the need for Africa's financial independence: that Africa must mobilize domestic resources to reduce reliance and overdependence on external funding. To achieve this, his plan is to rally 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 global financial architecture to ensure Africa's equitable participation in global economic decisions. On Agricultural transformation, he challenges Africa to catalyze a transformative shift in its agri-food systems to cultivate more efficient, inclusive, and resilient agricultural practices, while ensuring food systems are secure from predatory practices. "I will promote sustainable food production, agribusiness and modernization of agriculture to reinforce food security, foster job creation and enhance livelihoods," he says. Raila says Africa's Agenda 2063 cannot be achieved unless marginalization, exclusion, and discrimination against women and girls are fully addressed. Banking on his "indefatigable" championing of the rights of women and girls over the years, he pledged to prioritize opportunity, dignity, and security for women and girls across the continent. Climate Action is also a key pillar of his agenda. He opines that African people must not pay for a problem that they had no part in creating. "I will raise Africa's voice at international fora on climate change, climate action, and climate justice." On peace and security, Raila says he will prioritize conflict prevention and resolution and work with leaders to address the root causes of instability, and promote functional institutions to create a conducive environment for Africa's prosperity. Raila has previously served in the AU as the High representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa between 2018 to 2013.

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