Raila unveils his AUC manifesto in Addis Ababa, pledges African transformation

Raila Odinga has pledged to fast-track economic transformation, enhance intra-African trade and infrastructure, financial independence, gender equity and equality, agricultural transformation and climate action if elected the Africa Union Commission Chairperson.

Speaking while officially unveiling his manifesto at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, the former Premier also pledged to foster education, women empowerment and counter Climate Change.

Addressing the special luncheon attended by AU’s permanent representatives, Envoys and global partners, Raila stated that he will seize existing and emerging opportunities on the continent, to address issues such as poverty and illiteracy.

“Our people suffer because of bad policies … I will strive to change that. I now have knowledge and ability to turn all this wealth into prosperity to liberate our people and make them rich and powerful and create the 21st century as an African century,” he said.

Raila pledged economic transformation, enhancing intra-African trade and infrastructure, financial independence, gender equity and equality, agricultural transformation, climate action, harnessing youth potential, continental integration, digital transformation as well as peace and security for the region.

“It's time for Africa to rise. China empowered the youth and gave them skills so when they opened up their economy the big manufacturing companies rushed to China because they saw there were highly skilled people and cheap manpower,” he noted.

The Addis Manifesto Unveiling which brought together representatives from the African Union Member States, Regional Economic Communities, business leaders, youth, women representatives and civil society, is a follow-up to the official launch of the candidature by President William Ruto held on August 27, 2024 at State House, Nairobi.