As Africa pushes forward with the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) has issued a powerful call to action, urging governments and institutions to ensure that trade-led growth translates into decent jobs, social justice, and sustainable development.
Speaking against the backdrop of the 57th Session of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, ITUC-Africa in a statement signed by its General Secretary, Comrade Akhator Joel Odigie, stressed that while AfCFTA has the potential to drive industrialization and boost intra-African trade, its success hinges on integrating trade facilitation with strong labour protections, fair wages, and economic inclusion.
With millions of African workers at stake, ITUC-Africa is pushing for binding commitments to International Labour Organization (ILO) Core Labour Standards within AfCFTA agreements. The organization insisted that workers must have a seat at the table, calling for their direct representation in trade policy-making through bodies like AfCFTA’s National Implementation Committees. It also warned against the unchecked expansion of Special Economic Zones and export-driven industries without robust labour protections, demanding fair wages, safe working conditions, and strict labour inspections.
The call extended beyond labour rights, with ITUC-Africa urging African governments to take a stand for fairer global financial systems while mobilizing domestic resources to support small businesses and workers. Investment in digital transformation, including e-commerce and digital literacy, is also being championed as a crucial driver of Africa’s economic future. The organization further emphasises the need to ratify the African Union Free Movement Protocol to facilitate labour mobility and skills recognition across the continent.
As Africa’s leaders work towards economic integration, ITUC-Africa is adamant that AfCFTA must not become a tool that benefits only a few while leaving workers behind. The trade union body is calling on the African Union Commission, the AfCFTA Secretariat, ECA, Regional Economic Communities, national governments, and development partners to align AfCFTA’s implementation with the principles of decent work and social justice. The private sector, it insists, must also step up by ensuring that trade policies prioritise workers’ rights and economic inclusion.
With the future of African trade at a defining moment, ITUC-Africa and its allies remain committed to ensuring that the continent’s biggest trade agreement does not come at the expense of those who power its economies. The message is clear: AfCFTA must deliver prosperity for all, not just profits for a few.
“The African Regional Organization of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUCAfrica) calls for urgent action to ensure that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) fosters economic transformation while safeguarding workers’ rights, social justice, and sustainable development.
“ITUC-Africa urges the African Union Commission (AUC), AfCFTA Secretariat, ECA, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and national governments to align AfCFTA implementation with decent work principles. Development partners and the private sector must also commit to trade policies prioritising workers’ rights and social inclusion. ITUC-Africa and its partners remain committed to working with all stakeholders to build a just, inclusive, and sustainable trade regime that benefits all Africans.” The statement in part reads.
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