Charismatic, Visionary, and Deeply Rooted in Pan-African Values: Raila Odinga Embodies Bold Leadership for a United and Prosperous Africa
Raila Odinga, a charismatic and visionary leader, embodies bold leadership for a united and prosperous Africa. From his early days as an engineer to his roles as Minister of Energy and Transport, and eventually Prime Minister of Kenya, he has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to democracy and inclusive development. Today, as a candidate for the presidency of the African Union Commission, he brings an optimistic and ambitious vision: to transform Africa's economy by strengthening intra-African trade, promoting gender equality and social equity, addressing climate change through renewable energy, and fully harnessing the potential of Africa's youth. Raila Odinga proposes a bold and concrete strategy to make Africa a model of prosperity, inclusion, and resilience.
Exclusive Interview: Raila Odinga Shares His Convictions, Priorities, and Vision for a United and Prosperous Africa
Why did you decide to run for the presidency of the African Union Commission?
This decision is the culmination of a long personal and professional journey. As an engineer by training, I taught at the University of Nairobi before venturing into industrial entrepreneurship in East Africa. My engagement then shifted to the public sector, serving as Minister of Transport and Energy, and eventually as Prime Minister of Kenya. These responsibilities allowed me to contribute directly to my country's development and gain a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our continent. Today, I believe it's time to put this experience at the service of Africa as a whole. Influential leaders from our continent, including former presidents of Nigeria and South Africa, have encouraged me to run. They emphasized the need to transform the African Union into a genuine engine of change, faithful to the vision of our continent's founding fathers.
What are, in your opinion, the main assets of Africa to become a major player on the global stage?
Africa is a land of resources, starting with its people. With a population of 1.4 billion, 70% of whom are under 35, we are the youngest continent in the world. This youth represents an immense force if properly educated and valued. By investing in quality education and making technology accessible, we can transform this population into an engine of innovation and wealth creation. Next, Africa is incredibly rich in natural resources: oil, gas, lithium, coltan, uranium... These strategic minerals are at the heart of modern technologies. Unfortunately, our continent has long exported these raw materials without adding value. The future lies in industrializing and locally transforming these resources to generate jobs and strengthen our economic autonomy. Finally, technological advancements, such as artificial intelligence and expanded internet access, offer us an unprecedented opportunity to catch up and become a major player in the global economy.
You emphasize the importance of African integration. What are your plans to accelerate this process?
African integration is a strategic imperative. The founding fathers of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) had a clear vision of a united Africa. However, this vision has been hindered by national considerations and administrative obstacles. My goal is to advance this integration by strengthening existing regional blocs, such as the East African Community, ECOWAS, and SADC, to make them the pillars of a continental government. We must establish common policies and clear standards to encourage intra-African trade, which currently accounts for only 15% of our exchanges, compared to 70% in Europe. The European model is particularly inspiring for us. When I lived in Europe as a student, I remember the time when each country functioned independently. Traveling between two countries required multiple visas, and we had to juggle different national currencies like the Deutsche Mark or the French Franc. Today, thanks to the European Union, Europe benefits from a single currency, a fluid internal market, and supranational institutions, such as the European Parliament, which make decisions applicable to all member states. In Africa, we are far from this level of integration. We must overcome the obstacles related to excessive national sovereignty and lack of political will. The European example shows that unity and cooperation can transform a continent. Imagine an Africa where intra-African trade is simplified, citizens can travel freely, and continental decisions are quickly implemented. This is not a utopian dream, but an achievable goal with a clear roadmap and strong commitment from African leaders.
What are your ambitions for the African Open Sky project?
The Open Sky initiative is one of my top priorities, as it represents an immediate and accessible lever for African integration. Currently, air transport in Africa is hindered by administrative barriers and high costs due to the lack of regional coordination. Each country manages its airspace independently, complicating travel and increasing costs. Open Sky aims to open up African airspace to common regulation, allowing for the free flow of people and goods. This will not only benefit the aviation sector but also boost tourism, trade, and access to essential services. I firmly believe it is possible to start with regional blocs – for example, harmonizing air traffic control in North or East Africa – before extending this initiative to the entire continent. With effective implementation, we can reduce costs, optimize routes, and accelerate mobility on a continental scale, enhancing our global competitiveness.
How do you plan to mobilize African resources to finance this transformation?
The financial independence of the African Union is crucial to guarantee our sovereignty and ability to implement our own policies. Currently, a significant portion of the AU's budget depends on external contributions, limiting our autonomy. I advocate for effective mobilization of our internal resources, whether through taxes on raw material exports, innovative financial mechanisms, or strengthened intra-African trade through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). By maximizing the use of our domestic markets and valuing our resources locally, we can finance our ambitions and build a self-sufficient and powerful African Union.
A final message to Tunisians and Africans?
My message is one of hope and pride. Africa is at a decisive turning point, and I firmly believe that the 21st century will be the century of our continent. I address Africans with a language that is dear to them, that of symbols and traditions. Imagine the African Lion, the king of the savannah, symbol of power and resilience. It speaks today to the Asian Tiger, which has long dominated the global stage, and says, "You have danced alone on the stage for too long." It looks at the European Bear, which is retreating into itself, caught in the cold of its challenges, and the American Jaguar, which is panting on its course. But here comes the African Lion, standing tall, ready to roar and take its place on the global stage. This lion represents each nation on our continent: the lions of the Atlas, proud and robust, the Simba of East Africa, noble and resilient, and many others that symbolize our diversity and collective strength. My message to Africans, particularly to Tunisians, is to believe in this strength, in our ability to unite, transform our riches, and build a common future. Together, we can write a new page in African history, a history where the African lion will no longer be in the shadows, but at the heart of the global stage. The world is watching, and it's time to show that Africa is ready.
