Trade unions in Africa are eager to shift the continent’s narrative from strife and hardship to one of growth and opportunity. This ambition became clear during the 15th ITUC Africa New Year School held in Grand Bassam, Cote d’Ivoire, where over 150 delegates from 37 African nations convened from February 25-28. The discussions centred on crucial themes like employability, living wages, peace, and economic transformation, all fostering a vision for social justice in Africa.
The attendees, which included trade unionists, academics, and government representatives, delved into pressing matters such as resource-based industrialisation and sustainable energy policies. Youth employment emerged as a particularly urgent topic since over 60% of Africa’s population is under 25 years old. Alarmingly, about 15 million young Africans enter the job market each year, most finding only informal employment.
Moreover, key issues like debt cancellation, the incorporation of labour provisions in the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement, and supportive economic policies for women were highlighted throughout these discussions. The International Labour Organization also contributed, focusing on their Recommendation 205, which aims to bolster employment and decent work amidst conflicts and crises, urging local trade unions to join the Global Coalition for Social Justice.
Cote d’Ivoire’s Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé emphasised the importance of social dialogue between the government, trade unions, and employers, noting this has fostered increased trust and minimum wage growth. During a passionate march for social justice, ITUC Africa general secretary Joel Odigie advocated for the cancellation of Africa’s debts, calling on international financial institutions to redirect those funds towards the continent’s development.
Rose Omamo, vice president of IndustriALL and deputy president of ITUC-Africa, echoed this sentiment, urging for a resilient and prosperous Africa that champions gender equality and youth employment. Paule-France Ndessomin, from IndustriALL, underlined the potential of transition minerals in promoting sustainable economies. However, she lamented that certain nations rich in these resources, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zimbabwe, grapple with inadequate policies and corruption that prevent effective economic advancement. Encouragingly, she noted the significance of developing local supply chains in battery manufacturing to create decent jobs.
During the ITUC Africa New Year School in Cote d’Ivoire, trade unions discussed strategies for economic transformation and social justice. Over 150 delegates focused on employability, living wages, and youth employment, especially given the high rate of informal work among young Africans. Issues such as debt cancellation and the role of transition minerals in sustainable economies were also highlighted to encourage equitable resource distribution and social dialogue.
The 15th ITUC Africa New Year School highlighted the pivotal role trade unions can play in reshaping Africa’s future through economic transformation and social justice. By addressing youth employment, advocating for debt cancellation, and emphasising sustainable practices, participants united in a vision for a prosperous Africa. Effective social dialogue among stakeholders is essential for leveraging the continent’s resources to foster equity and resilience, paving the way for a brighter future.
Original Source: www.industriall-union.org
