Raila Odinga Intensifies Campaign for African Union Chairperson Bid During West African Tour.

Kampala, Uganda - Kenyan statesman Raila Odinga is ramping up his campaign to become the next Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) with a series of high-profile engagements across West Africa. His tour aims to rally support for his vision of a stable, prosperous, and united Africa, emphasizing the importance of inter-African trade and collaborative solutions to pressing challenges facing the continent.

Raila Odinga Intensifies Campaign for African Union Chairperson Bid During West African Tour.

During his recent visit to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat in Accra, Ghana, Odinga praised the progress made in implementing the treaty, noting that 48 African Union member states have ratified the agreement. “My vision for a stable and prosperous Africa is hinged on increasing intra-African trade through Regional Economic Blocs,” he stated, highlighting AfCFTA’s pivotal role in driving economic development across the continent.

Odinga also met with Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, commending the country’s leadership in promoting progressive policies for Africa. He referred to Ghana as a “beacon of regional integration,” underscoring its significant contributions to fostering unity and growth within Africa.

Continuing his tour, Odinga visited Cotonou, Benin, where he engaged with Beninese Foreign Minister Olushegun Adjadi Bakari. Their discussions focused on critical areas such as agriculture, infrastructure development, and technology—key sectors that align with Odinga’s vision of amplifying Africa’s voice on the global stage.

In Togo, he met with President Faure Gnassingbé to discuss security and economic development, emphasizing collaborative approaches to address instability and governance reforms across the continent. Odinga’s campaign comes at a crucial time for the African Union, which is grappling with various challenges including climate change and economic integration.

His extensive outreach efforts reflect a commitment to fostering unity and resilience within Africa as he seeks to secure the mandate to lead the AUC.