African workers seek end to corruption, inequality, wars

African trade union leaders and workers’ representatives have call for action against corruption, widening inequality and violent conflicts across the continent, declaring that Africa’s vast wealth must benefit its people rather than a privileged few.

The call was made during a rally organised by the African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) on the sidelines of the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC), in Geneva, Switzerland.

The gathering brought together trade unionists and allies from across Africa who voiced concerns over what they described as the interconnected crises of kleptocracy, extreme inequality and insecurity, which continue to undermine democracy, development and social justice on the continent.

Speaking at the rally, ITUC-Africa General Secretary, Akhator Joel Odigie,  lamented that corruption, illicit financial flows, state capture and unsustainable debt have continued to deprive millions of Africans of decent living conditions despite the continent’s abundant resources.

“Corruption steals jobs. Corruption steals schools. Corruption steals hospitals. Corruption steals the future,” Odigie declared.

He stressed that Africa is not a poor continent but blessed with immense natural resources, human talent and economic potential. According to him, the tragedy lies in the failure to deploy the resources for the benefit of ordinary citizens.

“Millions remain trapped in poverty because wealth is not being used to advance the wellbeing of the people,” he said.

The workers called on African governments and international institutions to strengthen efforts to combat corruption and illicit financial flows, improve transparency and accountability, and implement progressive taxation policies, including fair taxation of multinational corporations and wealthy individuals.

The rally also drew attention to the growing gap between the rich and the poor across the continent. Participants warned that while wealth continues to accumulate in the hands of a small elite, millions of workers are struggling with unemployment, low wages, precarious jobs and inadequate social protection.

Echoing findings in Oxfam’s 2026 Inequality Report, the workers insisted that the world’s wealthiest individuals and corporations must contribute a fairer share toward addressing social and economic disparities.

“The super-rich must pay their fair share. Everyone deserves dignity, decent work and social protection,” the statement noted.

Beyond economic concerns, African workers used the occasion to express solidarity with victims of ongoing conflicts in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, where violence has displaced millions and devastated livelihoods.

The union leaders called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, greater protection for civilians and workers, and an end to external interference that fuels instability and prolongs conflict in the affected countries.

The rally further highlighted concerns over the shrinking democratic space and the erosion of workers’ rights globally.

According to ITUC-Africa, the recently released 2026 ITUC Global Rights Index paints a worrying picture of growing restrictions on fundamental freedoms, including the rights of workers to organise, bargain collectively and embark on lawful industrial action.

The organisation warned that sustainable democracy cannot thrive where corruption is rampant, inequality deepens and conflicts remain unresolved.

“Africa’s future must be founded on peace, accountability, decent work, strong public services, social protection and shared prosperity,” the statement emphasised.

As deliberations continue at the International Labour Conference, African workers said their message to governments, policymakers and global institutions remains clear and urgent: “Africa’s wealth must serve Africa’s people, not the interests of a few.”