Africa's chance to redefine itself after getting new AUC chairman

President William and African Union Commission candidate Raila Odinga in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, ahead of the AUC election on Saturday. [FILE]

Last month, Africa's leaders met in Addis Ababa to elect the African Union Commission chairperson. This decision will shape the institution's leadership, though the role has gradually lost influence, drifting from the vision of the continent's founders.

At the same time, few Africans feel connected to the AU or its daily impact. However, this offers Africa a chance to harness global change and redefine the Union's relevance to Africa's people. As Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the new AU chairperson, takes the helm, a critical process must focus on establishing robust internal funding mechanisms.