ODM Leader Raila Odinga on Tuesday held his first international address after he was appointed as the High Representative of Infrastructure Development at the African Union Commission.
Speaking at Duke University in the United States, the former Prime Minister asked all African States to carry on with the war against corruption adding that it's still holding back the continent’s economic growth.
He applauded countries making a headway in the corruption war such as Kenya and Tanzania encouraging all others to emulate the two.
Odinga also vowed to use his new post to connect the continent with the outside world business wise through championing for the upgrade of African Infrastructures such as the incomplete Trans African Highways and railways.
This, he added, will open up the continent from “North to South, East to West...making it the gateway to the 21st Century.”
In order to drive up Africa’s growth, the ODM leader further noted that unity, political and economic integration is paramount. This, he added, would be realised through toning down of visa restrictions and reducing tariffs on African exports.
44 African countries have already signed the Continental Free Trade Agreement across Africa on more than 90% of the goods.
He, however, warned western countries singling out the US of attempting to finish African Democracies as they seek business or anti-terror partnerships.
He explained that by doing so, they are interfering with the war against corruption.
Odinga was on Saturday appointed to the AU role due to his vast political experience and the values he endears.