The AU notifies Raila Odinga of the end of his term as AU High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa

Azimio Leader Raila Odinga’s term as the African Union (AU) High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa has come to an end.

“Your role in this journey, Excellency, has been invaluable. Allow me to express my profound gratitude for accepting to serve in this role during the transition period, which has now come to a happy conclusion,” a letter from the AU secretariat stated in part.

Raila was appointed to the position 4 years ago, after a handshake with former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

His most notable infrastructural achievement across the continent is the construction support of the Grand Inga Dam.

The Grand Inga Dam will produce power through hydroelectric means to power Africa and potentially Europe.

The dam which is based in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is estimated to have the capacity to produce between 40-70 GigaWatts (GW) of power.

The project located on the Congo Rover would be the largest power station in the world when finished.

The AU thanked Mr Odinga for his ‘exceptional and unique’ service in the letter dated 19th February 2023.

“It is my distinct honour to write to you with respect to your mandate as AU High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa.  Your exceptional leadership and unique command of the issues concerned, has been crucial to the leveraging of infrastructure as a key priority within the Continental agenda.
The transformation of the NEPAD Agency to African Union Development Agency-NEPAD has now been completed, with full mandate to implement the Continental agenda on infrastructure”

The letter signed by AU commission Chair Moussa Faki added, “The African Union hopes to continue counting on your support for other possible assignments. Wishing you all the best in your future endeavours, please accept. Excellency, the expression of my highest consideration and personal esteem.”

Mr Faki has been with the AU since 14th March 2017.