- Raila Odinga called for removal of visa restrictions across Africa to promote free movement.
- Urged liberalisation of African airspace for improved connectivity and growth.
- Praised for his pan-African statesmanship despite missing out on AU Commission Chairmanship.
- Encouraged youth empowerment as central to Africa’s future.
- Addressed policymakers, scholars, and youth leaders at ICAD 2025 in Abuja.
Azimio leader Raila Odinga delivered a passionate plea for a more integrated Africa during the closing ceremony of the International Conference on Africa’s Democracy (ICAD 2025) held at the NAF Centre in Abuja, Nigeria. Speaking alongside notable figures such as Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang and Ambassador Arikana Chihombori-Quao, Odinga captivated a full audience of policymakers, scholars, and youth leaders.
“First, we must remove visa restrictions for African citizens. The revenue we currently generate from visas is minimal compared to the economic and social gains we would unlock by enabling free movement across Africa.”
— Raila Odinga
Odinga emphasised that removing travel barriers and allowing Africans to move freely within the continent would catalyse economic integration and social unity.
Liberalising the African Skies
Another central point of Odinga’s speech was the call for unrestricted airline operations across African borders.
“With so few carriers, restricting airspace only hampers connectivity and growth.”
— Odinga noted, urging regional governments to unlock Africa’s air potential.
He pointed out that the current limitations are stifling economic collaboration and need urgent reform.
Despite narrowly missing out on the African Union Commission Chairmanship, Odinga remains a towering figure in African politics. His appearance at ICAD 2025 drew admiration from all corners of the continent, reaffirming his role as a resilient, progressive voice for African unity and democracy.
Across Africa — from Nigeria to Kenya, from South Africa to Central Africa — Odinga is widely seen not as a defeated candidate, but as a veteran statesman redirected toward continental influence through advocacy and diplomacy.
In his closing remarks, Odinga turned his focus to Africa’s young generation:
“You are the engine of our future. It is time our governments strengthen institutions and invest in you, so that we can finally realise the long-deferred dream of a united, prosperous Africa.”
His words echoed the conference’s core theme, building resilient democracies by empowering Africa’s youth.
