Raila to unveil vision for AU leadership in Addis Ababa on Friday

By Our Correspondent, NAIROBI Kenya

Kenya’s former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, the country's candidate for African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson, will unveil his strategic vision and priorities for the African Union at a high-profile event in Addis Ababa on Friday, November 8, 2024.

The event will bring together representatives from AU Member States, Regional Economic Communities, business leaders, youth and women's groups, and civil society organisations.

The presentation, scheduled for 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the AU Multipurpose Hall, will be a watershed moment in Odinga's campaign for continental leadership.

The unveiling comes after H.E. President William Ruto officially launched Odinga's candidature on August 27, 2024, at Nairobi's State House, which received widespread support from East African Community leaders.

The launch demonstrated regional solidarity and confidence in Odinga's ability to guide the African Union through a period of rapid development and transformation.

Odinga will present his vision for addressing Africa's pressing challenges while capitalising on emerging opportunities in line with the African Union's Agenda 2063.

His platform emphasises a pan-African approach to achieving a prosperous and self-sufficient Africa.

His top priorities are economic transformation, increased intra-African trade, infrastructure development, financial independence, gender equity, agricultural transformation, climate action, youth empowerment, digital transformation, and maintaining continental peace and security.

His vision also promotes collaborative growth, demonstrating his long-standing commitment to African unity and integration.

Odinga's priorities are in line with Agenda 2063, a strategic framework for African development that seeks to promote inclusive growth, improve integration, and increase Africa's global competitiveness.

The former ODM party leader will also hold a media luncheon at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Addis Ababa on Saturday, November 9, at 12:30 p.m.

This session aims to provide additional insights into his agenda and implementation plans, as well as an opportunity for media representatives to speak with the candidate directly about his proposed strategies.