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The race to lead the African Union Commission (AUC) is heating up as three prominent candidates prepare to present their visions for Africa in a highly anticipated debate. 

The debate, scheduled for December 13, 2024, will serve as a platform for Kenya’s Raila Odinga, Djibouti’s Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, and Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato to outline their plans ahead of the February 2025 vote.

The debate, named Mjadala Afrika, will take place at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and will start at 7 PM East African Time. 

It will be broadcast live in six languages to reach all AU member states. The Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC) will air the debate locally and transmit the feed to public broadcasters across the continent. 

Additionally, viewers can tune in via DSTV channel 197 and on free-to-air channels. 

The African Union’s digital platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram, will also stream the event. 

South Africa-based CNBC Africa will offer a live digital broadcast as well.

The debate comes after several candidates withdrew their bids to support Raila Odinga, Kenya's veteran politician and former Prime Minister. 

Fawzia Adam, a former Foreign Minister of Somalia, stepped down in August, endorsing Odinga’s pan-African vision. 

Similarly, Seychelles’ former Prime Minister Vincent Meriton and Mauritius’ candidate Anil Gayan withdrew their candidacies, citing health and strategic reasons, respectively. 

Both countries have since pledged their support for Odinga.

The AUC chairmanship is a critical role in shaping the continent’s future, addressing pressing issues like economic development, conflict resolution, and regional integration. 

The next chairperson will succeed Moussa Faki, with East Africa poised to produce the new leader, as per the AU Executive Council’s decision. 

The deputy chairperson will come from Northern Africa, while Central, Southern, and Western Africa will appoint six commissioners.

This debate offers African citizens and member states a chance to evaluate the candidates' leadership styles and visions for tackling the continent's challenges. 

As the February vote approaches, all eyes will be on the three candidates, each hoping to lead Africa into a more united and prosperous future.

For those interested, the debate promises to be a pivotal moment in Africa’s political calendar. Don't miss this opportunity to witness leaders chart the course for the continent’s next chapter.