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The Nairobian

Raila Odinga's policies are aimed at addressing Africa's pressing challenges

Opinion

By Jackson Kiptanui | Nov 13, 2024

**Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga shakes hands with Sierra Leone President Julius Bio as President William Ruto looks on** **on the sidelines of World Without Hunger 2024 Conference, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.** [PCS]

As Africa faces a rapidly shifting global landscape marked by economic uncertainties, social challenges, and climate crises, a visionary leader must lead the African Union Commission (AUC). Raila Odinga, with his extensive experience and deep-rooted associations across the continent, presents a compelling agenda for Africa—a vision that harnesses the potential of its youthful population, prioritises inclusive economic growth, and champions Pan-African unity.

His policies are tailored to address the pressing challenges of unemployment, education, healthcare, and digital transformation, all while empowering the continent’s youth and advancing gender equality. Through his international, continental, and regional networks, Raila’s leadership will bring a cohesive and strategic approach to drive Africa’s growth.

Raila’s agenda is rooted in three core principles: Leveraging experience and networks to address Africa’s challenges, implementing strategic policy measures, and amplifying the continent’s voice globally. His vision of a united, thriving Africa is not just aspirational but backed by a tangible plan that focuses on youth empowerment, peace and security, climate action, and Pan-African unity.

Raila believes that “this is Africa’s century”—a time when Africa must seize its unique opportunities. His vision for Africa aligns closely with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which envisions an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa driven by its citizens. As a Pan-Africanist, Raila advocates for participatory leadership that harnesses the continent’s human and natural resources while integrating the wisdom of its leaders with the dynamism of its youth.

This vision requires robust, unified institutions, functional policies, and a leader with the stature to engage both global and regional actors effectively. Over the years, Raila has proven his ability to connect, mediate, and foster partnerships across diverse political and cultural contexts, as seen in his roles as Kenya’s representative in peace negotiations and as the AU’s High Representative for Infrastructure Development. His diplomatic skills and consensus-building approach make him well-suited to lead the AUC and drive Africa’s development agenda forward.

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Youth empowerment is one of the key pillars of Raila's agenda. Africa’s youth population is its greatest asset, yet its potential remains underutilised in a continent where unemployment, limited educational opportunities, and economic hardships prevail. In his own words, “Realising Africa’s full potential hinges on implementing collective measures to address challenges faced by our youth and actualise their capabilities as key drivers of innovation and development.”

With one of the world’s youngest populations, Africa holds immense potential for growth and innovation. Raila envisions a future where African youth are not only beneficiaries of development but active contributors to it. His commitment to youth empowerment is rooted in his conviction that young people deserve equitable access to opportunities and resources to thrive.

Without peace and security, sustainable development remains a distant goal. Raila recognises the importance of stability as the foundation for progress, especially in light of Africa’s ongoing security challenges. “The guns are still not silent in Africa,” Raila notes.

His peace and security agenda is holistic, addressing both conflict prevention and resolution. Raila plans to work closely with African leaders to address the root causes of instability—economic inequality, poor governance, and social exclusion—while strengthening regional security mechanisms.

Africa should not hold back in its demand for climate action. Africa emits very little of the world's carbon emissions, yet faces the brunt of climate-related problems including droughts, floods, and food insecurity. Raila asserts that “African people must not pay for a problem they had no part in creating.” If Raila becomes AUC Chair, he will put Africa at the centre of global climate initiatives.