•workers are wealth of every nation
The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) has reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with governments across the continent to improve the lives of workers and citizens.
ITUC-Africa General Secretary, Comrade Akhator Joel Odigie, made this declaration on Tuesday at the 15th edition of the ITUC-Africa New Year School, themed: ‘Employability, Living Wage, Peace, and Economic Transformation for Social Justice in Africa’, held in Grand Bassam, Côte d’Ivoire.
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Delivering this message directly to the Prime Minister of Côte d’Ivoire, Robert Beugré Mambé, on behalf of his government and other African governments, Odigie stated: “We firmly believe in the need to build an Africa that works for every African. We seek collaboration with our governments to develop strategies that enhance the lives and living conditions of our people. We want a seat at the table with our governments.”
He continued: “This is not an unreasonable request. We are asking to join hands in this effort because we strongly believe that our rich, resource-abundant, and prosperous continent can work for every African, no matter where they are. We believe we can achieve this in our lifetime.
“It is time to move beyond the narrative that Africa is the world’s backwater. Together with our governments and employers, we must propel our people towards shared prosperity.”
Odigie further highlighted the urgent need to regulate the exploration and exploitation of Africa’s vast mineral resources, emphasizing that the continent’s youthful population presents both an opportunity and a challenge.
“In the next three decades, Africa will remain a youthful continent. Our leaders and economic planners must develop robust industrial policies that work for young people. This is the era of skills development and job creation.”
He condemned the dangers faced by African youth undertaking perilous journeys across the Mediterranean in search of better opportunities and called for policies that ensure equitable opportunities for women, who constitute more than half of Africa’s population.
“We must prioritise the advancement of working women by ensuring policies that protect their rights and promote equal opportunities. Africa should not mortgage or negotiate its right to industrialization. It is possible, and it is within our reach.
“Our message is clear: we want to work with our people and governments to build an Africa that works for everyone—an inclusive continent where no one is left behind. Together, we can achieve this,” he said.
Also speaking, ITUC-Africa President, Martha Molema, emphasized the evolving nature of work due to digitalization and the gig economy, advocating for labour laws that protect all workers equally.“The modern work environment is undergoing profound changes. Digitalization and the rise of the gig economy have fundamentally altered how and where work is performed.”
She called for comprehensive labour laws that extend protection to digital workers, including freelancers, remote employees, and platform-based labourers, ensuring they enjoy the same rights as traditional employees.
Additionally, Molema pushed for the inclusion of trade unions in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) negotiations to safeguard workers’ rights, prevent corporate exploitation, and promote equitable economic growth.
“Women and young workers must be included in decision-making processes. We need tripartite cooperation—governments, employers, and unions—when forming policies and creating platforms for marginalized voices.”
In response, Côte d’Ivoire’s Prime Minister, Robert Beugré Mambé, reaffirmed his government’s commitment to prioritising social dialogue with trade unions to drive national development.
“Workers are the greatest wealth of any nation. Without them, no country or government can prosper.”
He emphasized the importance of continuous engagement between governments and workers’ unions, stressing that social dialogue fosters trust and progress.
“Social dialogue should be central to government-worker engagement. It builds trust, encourages responsibility among unions, and promotes social progress.
“Our government looks forward to working with ITUC-Africa and trade unions to achieve progress and success.”
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