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Odinga's vision for a rejuvenated River Nile route was shared during high-level meetings with European diplomats in Nairobi, where he emphasized the need for expanded cooperation on pan-African policy priorities.
Museveni's dream
Odinga's proposal aligns with recent statements made by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, who highlighted the advantages of reopening the River Nile route to the Mediterranean Sea.
Museveni noted that Uganda's strategic location in the center of the African continent, coupled with its abundant renewable energy sources, makes it an ideal hub for trade and connectivity. However, the country's landlocked status has hindered its potential for growth.
Odinga's plan to make the River Nile navigable again aims to address this issue by reviving a historic waterway that once connected Uganda to the world.
During colonial times, the Nile River was a vital transportation route, with rail loops around the seven cataracts allowing for seamless connectivity.
However, wars in Sudan closed this route, and it has remained dormant for decades.
As AUC chairman, Odinga hopes to revive this long-deferred dream, facilitating efficient logistics and trade across the continent.
"It is regrettable that 60 years into independence, Africans have to fly to Europe to connect to certain parts of Africa and require multiple currencies and visas to access other African countries," he said
His vision for a connected Africa includes a free trade regime, removal of non-trade barriers, global cooperation, stability, and the free movement of people. Odinga also emphasized the need for infrastructure development, open skies, and investment in energy and internet connectivity.