Mjadala Afrika Debate, a landmark event that will bring together all the three candidates for the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), is scheduled for today (Friday, December 13).

 The debate — held at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — will be live from 7 pm to 9 pm (EAT) on TV47 and all its social media platforms.

“Mjadala Afrika, which translates to “African Debate” in Swahili, aims to engage the candidates vying for the position of the AUC Chairperson, in a meaningful dialogue about the future direction and work of the African Union. These discussions are particularly relevant as Africa seeks to navigate a rapidly changing global landscape,” the AUC says in a statement.

Kenya’s candidate for the continental job, Raila Odinga, arrived in Addis Ababa on Thursday, December 12, exudimng confidence that he is ready to face his competitors in the moment for democratic engagement.

Raila was welcomed by Petronila Were, the Deputy Head of Mission. He then proceeded to the Africa Union’s Multi-Purpose Hall, where he had the opportunity to engage with fellow candidates – Mahmoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti and Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato.

Under the astute guidance of the debate organizers, the three candidates then carried out an elaborate rehearsal of the upcoming ‘Mjadala Afrika’ debate.

“I am in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia conducting rehearsals for the Mjadala Afrika Debate tomorrow evening. It’s been an occasion here to interact with my fellow contestants for the AUC Chairmanship race,” Raila posted on his X platform on Thursday.

“I look forward to highlighting my 10-point plan which identifies priority areas that I believe will accelerate Africa’s progress towards prosperity,” he said on Friday.

This highly anticipated debate will allow voters, and to an extent Africans, to get a comprehensive understanding of the candidates’ policies and plans for the future of the AU.

Raila has been on a charm offensive across the continent, laying out his 10-point agenda that entails; addressing Economic Transformation, Infrastructure Development, Financial independence, Gender Equity and Equality, Agricultural Transformation, Climate Action, Harnessing Youth Potential, Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence, Continental Integration and Peace and Security across Africa.