By Blessing Obi
Aimed to strengthen the role of African trade unions in advancing democracy and development across the continent, Comrade Akhator Afolabi Joel Odigie, the General Secretary of ITUC-Africa (International Trade Union Confederation Africa), engaged with key British ministers on September 12, 2024, at Westminster.
The two separate meetings with Lord Collins of Highbury, the UK’s Minister for Africa, and Rt. Hon. Anneliese Dodds, Minister for Women and Equality as well as Development at the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, focused on reinforcing the contributions of African trade unions to democratic consolidation, development, and tackling global challenges like climate change.
At the meeting, Comrade Odigie highlighted the central role of organised labor in Africa’s socio-political landscape, emphasizing the crucial contributions of trade unions in the continent’s pursuit of decolonization, the fight against Apartheid, and current development goals. He stressed that while Africa continues to face significant challenges, particularly concerning governance and economic growth, the labor movement remains steadfast in its efforts to build an inclusive Africa that works for all.
“African trade unions are not afforded the luxury of lamentation,” said Odigie. “Despite the dire situation, we are digging deeper and becoming more robust in our efforts to ensure the birth of an Africa that benefits every community. Workers are a key engine in this drive.”
The ITUC-Africa leader further called for enhanced solidarity and support from non-state actors across Africa and international partners to continue advancing democracy and development. In particular, he urged the UK to amplify its engagement with African trade unions and help mobilize resources to support their work.
In his response, Lord Collins of Highbury, a former trade union leader with the General Transport Workers Union of the UK, echoed Odigie’s sentiments. He reiterated the importance of highlighting success stories from the African continent and affirmed the Labour Party’s readiness to work alongside trade unions and African governments as equal partners to achieve shared progress.
“The Labour Party is keen and ready to support trade unions in Africa, as well as governments and stakeholders, in this shared journey to deliver enduring successes for the continent,” Lord Collins remarked.
During his meeting with Rt. Hon. Anneliese Dodds, the discussion extended to climate change and the need for a just transition in Africa’s development model. Comrade Odigie emphasized the need for progressive international negotiations on climate financing and support for African countries, ensuring that no one is left behind.
Dodds expressed enthusiasm for continued collaboration with African development actors, underscoring the UK’s commitment to assisting the continent in its efforts to achieve inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
Odigie’s meetings with UK officials followed his attendance at the 156th Congress of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Brighton from September 8-11, 2024. The TUC Congress was an opportunity for African and UK trade unions to deepen their connections and explore avenues for mutual support in their shared goals of workers’ rights, democratic governance, and socio-economic development.
Notably absent from the Congress was Comrade Je Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), who was detained by Nigerian security agents before he could board a flight to the UK.
The meetings mark a pivotal moment in strengthening the relationship between African trade unions and international partners, particularly the UK, as both sides recognized the essential role that organized labor must play in addressing Africa’s challenges and driving its development forward.
As ITUC-Africa’s General Secretary, Comrade Odigie’s advocacy for a stronger, more active role for trade unions in shaping Africa’s future was met with positive responses from UK ministers, signaling hope for deeper cooperation in addressing some of the continent’s most pressing issues, including democratic consolidation and climate change.
The meetings in Westminster reflect a growing understanding of the importance of international solidarity in advancing Africa’s development goals. As African trade unions continue to mobilize for democracy, economic justice, and climate action, partnerships with international allies, such as the UK, will be critical in driving long-term change.
The engagement between ITUC-Africa and the UK highlights the growing role of trade unions not only as advocates for workers’ rights but as key players in shaping a more democratic, just, and prosperous Africa.
