The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Raila Odinga, the former Prime Minister of Kenya, has called on African leaders to unite in ensuring the continent becomes energy sufficient.
He shared his vision for Africa’s energy future, which includes powering the continent with clean, renewable energy and transitioning to a low-carbon economy.
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Speaking at the Africa Heads of States Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam, Raila expressed concern over the fact that some regions of Africa are still not connected to the electricity grid, and many households continue to rely on kerosene lamps.
“I envision an Africa where every home, school, and hospital is powered by the clean, renewable energy that is abundant in our continent,” he stated during his address to the heads of state. “As your AUC chairperson, I will dedicate myself to making this vision a reality, investing in the necessary infrastructure to light up our future.”
Raila shared his experience visiting villages where nightfall means complete darkness, and children must study under the dim light of kerosene lamps. “This is not the Africa I imagine,” he said.
The Kenyan leader pledged to ensure electricity reaches every corner of the continent if he is elected during the upcoming February 25 AUC elections. “I will fight with everything I have to bring reliable electricity to those who have been left behind, using off-grid solutions and mini-grids powered by solar and wind energy. These technologies are more than just tools – they are vital lifelines I will advocate for with all my strength,” he said.
Raila also emphasized that Africa will not just be a victim of global challenges but will lead the world in the fight for a sustainable future. He committed to pushing for resources and support to transition to a low-carbon economy, stressing the importance of this for the wellbeing of future generations.
The summit in Dar es Salaam was attended by 15 heads of state, including leaders from Tanzania, Lesotho, Djibouti, Congo-Brazzaville, Comoros, Madagascar, Somalia, Sierra Leone, Mauritania, Burundi, Guinea-Bissau, Malawi, Zambia, and Nigeria.
