Read < 1 minute

The African Union is impressed that so many professionals are in the running for positions in its commission.

Forty-one candidates from across the continent are vying for the eight AU Commission posts up for grabs with voting due to take place in January 2017.

Dr Pride Chigwedere, 42, who has served as a senior UNAIDS adviser to the African Union Commission for three years will be one of those in contention for the post of  AU Commissioner for Social Affairs in 2017.

A medical doctor with experience in global healthcare, and familiar with Africa-UN relations, Chigwedere is up against five candidates who are similarly highly skilled leaders in their fields.

The race for the other seven commissioners is just as competitive.