One of the candidates for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson position in the 2025 elections and Former Kenyan Prime Minister, Raila Odinga has unveiled his vision for the continent which will be centered on financial independence and economic integration for Africa if elected.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 45th Session of the Organisation of the African Trade Union Unity (OATUU) Council Meeting in Accra, Raila Odinga’s campaign stressed addressing the continent’s reliance on external funding and fostering stronger intra-African trade networks through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Odinga highlighted the pressing challenge of Africa’s growing debt burden, which he noted undermines economic growth, increases unemployment, and exacerbates social inequalities.
He pledged to work with African leaders to reduce the continent’s dependence on external financing, proposing strategies that prioritize sustainable fiscal policies and the active engagement of African workers in financial and debt-related decision-making processes.
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.