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Raila Odinga : the journey of a pan-African leader

Raila Odinga, an iconic figure in Kenyan and pan-African politics, is leading an ambitious campaign for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission. With dual expertise in business and politics, he brings a vision centred on economic autonomy and regional solidarity.

Algiers, Tunis, Nouakchott… Raila Odinga, one of the most influential figures in Kenyan and pan-African politics, is currently touring North Africa to drum up support for his candidacy for the presidency of the African Union Commission. He is putting his dual experience in business and politics on the table, along with his unwavering commitment to democracy, continental unity, and sustainable development. These values have shaped his life and leadership.

A leadership journey for unity

It could hardly have been otherwise for this son of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, a hero of Kenya’s independence and a staunch defender of Pan-Africanism, who was immersed in these ideals from his childhood in Kisumu. After studying in Germany and the United States, Raila returned to Kenya to enter politics. His journey has been marked by a constant struggle for the democratisation of the country and national unity. In 2008, after a major electoral crisis, he played a key role in forming a coalition government, helping to stabilise Kenya during a time of great tension.

A clear vision for Africa: « Africa must mobilise its own resources to ensure the financial independence of the African Union ».

As a candidate for the African Union Commission presidency, Raila Odinga presents a vision based on unity, economic independence, and environmental sustainability for the continent. During his recent visits to North Africa, he emphasised the need to strengthen intra-African cooperation and maximise trade through the full implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). In his view, this agreement is a crucial lever for increasing trade relations among African countries and reducing the continent’s dependence on external economies.

In an increasingly interconnected global context, Raila Odinga is convinced that Africa must take control of its own resources to ensure its development. « Africa must mobilise its own resources to ensure the financial independence of the African Union, » he declared, stressing the importance of freeing the continent from financial dependence on external sources.

His programme also has a strong environmental component. Committed to address the climate change threats, Raila Odinga supports initiatives such as the Desert to Power project, which harnesses the Sahara’s solar potential to provide energy for the entire continent. This approach aims to promote green economic growth that can address environmental challenges while supporting Africa’s industrialisation.

Inclusion and sustainable development: youth and women at the heart of the project

Another priority for Raila Odinga is the inclusion of youth and women in Africa’s economy. « The economic inclusion of youth and women is essential to unlock the full potential of the continent, » he said. He advocates policies that promote access to education, vocational training and entrepreneurship, especially for these often-marginalised groups.

At the same time, he urges the creation of an economic environment conducive to innovation and job creation, particularly through initiatives to support young entrepreneurs and women in the technology and digital sectors.

A champion of peace and stability

Raila Odinga is also recognised for his role in promoting peace and stability in Africa. He has played a key role in mediating conflicts in East Africa and beyond, working with the African Union to implement African-led solutions to regional crises. He has supported peace initiatives in Somalia, South Sudan and other regions of the continent, always emphasising the importance of African solutions to conflicts that directly affect people’s well-being.

One of his flagship projects as the African Union’s High Representative for Infrastructure is the development of a network of infrastructure linking the entire continent, notably through the Cairo-Cape Town transcontinental highway project, to facilitate trade and strengthen regional integration.

Raila Odinga’s supporters : A Pan-African coalition

Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the African Union Commission presidency has garnered support from several influential African leaders, a testament to his pan-African appeal, a major asset in his quest to head the African Union Commission.Among his most notable supporters is William Ruto, the current President of Kenya. Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame is also a key supporter. Recognised for his leadership in development and governance, Kagame sees Raila as a strategic partner in promoting regional integration and strengthening pan-African institutions. Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan also supports Raila’s candidacy. She shares his belief that regional cooperation is essential for the sustainable development of East Africa and the continent. Beyond East Africa, Raila also receives significant endorsement, backing from leaders such as Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who praises Raila’s vision of a united Africa capable of self-reliance.

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