Raila Odinga, a candidate for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson position in the 2025 elections and former Kenyan Prime Minister, has outlined his vision for Africa, focusing on achieving financial independence and economic integration across the continent.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 45th Session of the Organisation of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU) Council Meeting in Accra, Odinga emphasized the need to reduce Africa’s dependence on external funding.
His campaign aims to strengthen intra-African trade through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and reduce the continent’s growing debt burden, which he said hinders economic growth, worsens unemployment, and deepens social inequalities.
Odinga expressed his commitment to working with African leaders to implement sustainable fiscal policies that promote financial independence.
He also proposed increasing the involvement of African workers in financial and debt-related decision-making to ensure that Africa’s development priorities are driven by its own people.
He also pledged to champion initiatives that prioritize workers rights in the continent if given the nod to serve as AU chairperson.
“Africa is stuck in Debt. As a continent, we cannot overlook the burden of unsustainable external debt on our workers as it stifles growth, increases unemployment, and exacerbates inequalities. I plan to work with our leaders to chart a path that reduces overreliance on external funding.
“We must also find means of ensuring that workers are actively engaged in matters of finance and debt.We must build stronger intra-African trade networks through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and common markets within our regional blocs. I plan to champion the inclusion of labor rights provisions in trade agreements to ensure that our economic growth is equitable and just,” he said.
