Former Kenyan Prime Minister and candidate for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson position in the 2025 elections, Raila Odinga, has outlined an ambitious vision for Africa, focusing on financial independence and economic integration. Speaking at the 45th Session of the Organisation of the African Trade Union Unity (OATUU) Council Meeting in Accra, Odinga emphasized the need to reduce the continent’s reliance on external funding while fostering stronger intra-African trade networks through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Odinga identified Africa’s mounting debt burden as a critical challenge, stating that it hampers economic growth, heightens unemployment, and deepens social inequalities. He proposed a collaborative approach with African leaders to address these issues, advocating for sustainable fiscal policies and the active involvement of African workers in financial and debt-related decision-making processes.
“Africa is stuck in debt,” Odinga remarked. “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.”
He also pledged to prioritize labor rights, committing to initiatives that ensure workers’ voices are central to Africa’s economic development. Highlighting the potential of AfCFTA, he stressed the importance of creating equitable trade policies and common markets within regional blocs, ensuring that economic growth benefits all.
“We must build stronger intra-African trade networks through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and common markets within our regional blocs,” he stated. “I plan to champion the inclusion of labor rights provisions in trade agreements to ensure that our economic growth is equitable and just.”
Odinga’s campaign underscores the necessity of financial autonomy and robust trade networks as pillars for Africa’s development, presenting a vision that seeks to empower both governments and workers across the continent.
