Raila Odinga's bold vision to transform Africa as AUC chair

Raila Odinga on Friday launched his vision and aspirations to become the next African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson, highlighting priority areas across several sectors. [Courtesy] Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has a lofty vision for Africa, which he believes is punching below its weight on the global stage. On Friday evening, he launched his vision and aspirations to become the next African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson, highlighting priority areas across several sectors. He addressed a room packed with the African Union's permanent representatives and diplomats, pitching ideals he said would lead to economic and political progress. Raila, who also engaged with the media yesterday, is banking on uniting Africa through physical and technological infrastructure to spur development. On Friday, he described himself as a Pan-Africanist and an Afro-optimist, who believes that Africa has enough tools to lift itself from its financial pit. He reflected on the visions of the continent's founding fathers, who dreamed of Africa's prosperity. "I have also lived through the collapse of that grand vision and have had occasion to watch as the world rapidly transformed, while back at home, we are developing at a slower rate," he said. Regional blocs Raila urged internal cohesion through effective structures for Africa's regional blocs, highlighting Europe's successes in overcoming its history of internal conflict to establish the European Union. His blueprint includes enhancing peace and security to create a conducive environment for economic growth. "There can be no development if there is no peace. In 2013, the African Union came up with 'Silencing the Guns' as part of Vision 2063. The focus for the next 50 years is peace. They were ambitious and wanted the guns silenced by 2020... they are not silent, and this is a big challenge for this organisation's leadership," he added. He also outlined a vision for the youth, whom he said he would place at the centre stage as the driving force behind innovation and change. His vision includes leveraging technological advancements in Artificial Intelligence. "Picture vibrant cities buzzing with energy as young entrepreneurs leverage technology and creativity to build dynamic businesses. With AI and digital resources at their fingertips, they invent solutions for our unique challenges: transforming agriculture with smart farming technologies, revolutionising healthcare with telemedicine, and reshaping education through accessible online platforms," he said. Intra-Africa trade Raila's other pillar was transforming the continent's economy and making it self-sustainable by exploiting its resources and the ingenuity of its people. The plan also involves promoting intra-Africa trade, with Raila pushing for the easing of cross-border trade barriers. He said that under his watch, the African Continental Free Trade Area "will be more than a policy." "It will be a reality," the opposition veteran stated, pointing out challenges that hinder optimal intra-Africa trade, such as air travel restrictions and under-investment in infrastructure. He also advocates for an open-skies policy and a connected road and rail network. "Imagine an Africa booming with industry, where businessmen and women from Bamako can take the trans-continental high-speed rail to trade in Kampala. Where cotton material from Lome can be bought online by a housewife in Lusaka. Where African products can be bought in supermarkets across the world under the name of African brands, owned by Africans, and where African workers and farmers are proud of their products. An Africa that does not require visas for other Africans." His message on unity is, ostensibly, aimed at breaking the Anglophone-Francophone divide that could become a factor in the AUC elections set for February. "Why should languages be a barrier in a continent?" Raila asked. "We want to be Afrophones and speak as one people, as Africans." Raila wants the continent to become self-sufficient and rid itself of its dependence on aid from external actors such as the European Union, which is the AU's biggest funder. His vision also includes achieving environmental sustainability by protecting Africa's rich biodiversity and natural resources. He also pitched for renewable energy to mitigate the effects of climate change and regenerative farming methods to ensure food security. Raila spoke about gender equality and inclusion, saying his leadership would push for the empowerment of women and girls in all sectors by creating safe spaces for them to thrive in an ideal Africa. "In this ideal Africa, gender equality is not just an aspiration; it is a reality. Women and girls are empowered to pursue their dreams, leading in every sector - from technology and politics to education and business. We ensure their voices are heard in every decision-making process, creating a balanced and equitable society," said Raila. Gender equality ties into the cultural renaissance that the former prime minister says Africa needs, urging the continent to preserve its rich heritage while embracing modernity. He conceded that his dream was "ambitious" but said its fulfilment would be possible with an extensive technological innovation plan. "In this future, we embrace technology as an enabler of progress. Cities are smart, utilising AI to optimise everything from energy consumption to transportation systems. Education is accessible to all, with digital classrooms that open doors to knowledge regardless of location. "Our health systems are strengthened through telehealth and AI diagnostics, ensuring that every individual receives quality care. But fundamentally, my rallying call is to the leadership of Africa: we must join hands and make sure that no African is left offline," the opposition chief stated. During Friday's event, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'oei, who chairs Raila's campaign secretariat, said the former prime minister was best placed to push for the implementation of the AU's Agenda 2063. "The journey to achieving Agenda 2063 is not a sprint but a marathon... We present to you a leader who has run the marathon and who understands the need for endurance, resilience, focused tenacity, and the need to never give up, to never yield ground until it is done," said Sing'oei. Raila faces three other Eastern African candidates: Mahamoud Ali Youssouf (Djibouti), Richard Mahitsison Randriamandrato (Madagascar), and Anil Gayan (Mauritius). He needs votes from 32 out of the 48 eligible African nations to secure a first-round win in the race to succeed outgoing chair Moussa Faki Mahamat of Chad, who has served two four-year terms. The opposition veteran has secured the support of East African nations and is believed to have the backing of more than 25 countries. Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema is the latest to endorse Raila after a meeting with President Ruto in Bujumbura, Burundi, last week. On Friday, Algeria's Ambassador to Kenya, Selma Malika Haddadi, who is seeking the AUC's vice chairperson position, wished Raila well as he seeks to replace Mahamat. "The inspiring vision that has been presented to us today is equal to the vision I am offering to guide my action," she said, making her pitch for her candidacy.

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