African trade unions, under the leadership of the African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa), have pronounced an action to embark on a high-stakes advocacy mission to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat in Accra, on 19th November, 2024.
The mission’s focus is push for a dedicated labour chapter within the AfCFTA protocols, a step that ITUC-Africa says is critical to safeguarding workers’ rights and ensuring fair labour standards across the continent.
“It is time for workers’ voices to be a part of the AfCFTA framework,” declared ITUC-Africa’s General Secretary, Akhator Joel Odigie. “Without a labour chapter, we risk creating a trade zone that overlooks the needs and rights of Africa’s workforce.”
According to Odigie, the current structure of the AfCFTA protocols lacks a formal platform for labour issues, leaving millions of African workers vulnerable to potential exploitation. “The AfCFTA must include protections that make Africa’s trade and investment policies beneficial to all,” he argued. “This is about more than just trade; it’s about establishing a framework that recognizes and respects the contributions of African workers.”
ITUC-Africa’s push, backed by partners like the Labour Research Service (LRS) and Finland’s SASK project, is gaining momentum as trade unions across the continent unite under a shared banner for workers’ rights.
The advocacy visit will facilitate direct dialogue with the AfCFTA Secretariat, allowing union leaders to voice their concerns and negotiate specific provisions for workers within the trade agreement. Among the key issues on the table are structured engagement spaces for trade unions, decent job creation, fair wages, and robust occupational health and safety measures. “We need to build spaces where workers’ needs are systematically addressed within the AfCFTA,” Odigie emphasized. “This is a crucial step toward a trade environment that genuinely benefits African citizens.”
In addition to engaging with the AfCFTA Secretariat, ITUC-Africa has outlined a strategic review of past advocacy efforts, aimed at aligning and strengthening ongoing initiatives across the continent. The union representatives will examine the outcomes of previous engagements to develop a roadmap for more effective and sustainable trade union participation in AfCFTA processes. “This is about refining our strategies and making sure our voice is not only heard but has lasting impact,” Odigie explained. “We are here to build a collaborative and proactive approach to workers’ rights in Africa.”
Public outreach is also a key part of the mission, as trade unions intend to ramp up media engagement to raise awareness around the importance of a labour-inclusive AfCFTA. The union leaders argue that an informed public is essential to achieving their goals. “African citizens must know what is at stake in the AfCFTA negotiations,” said an ITUC-Africa spokesperson. “Our media engagement is about mobilizing public support for policies that protect and uplift workers.”
ITUC-Africa and its partners are also advocating for the inclusion of trade unions in each country’s National Implementation Committee (NIC) to ensure that workers’ voices are present at every level of AfCFTA’s rollout. They are also championing continuous learning and skills development initiatives to help African workers adapt to technological advancements linked to the Fourth Industrial Revolution. “We need policies that prepare workers for the future,” Odigie said, noting the potential for significant economic shifts as a result of technological change.
Looking ahead, ITUC-Africa sees this advocacy visit as the first of many steps toward meaningful engagement with the AfCFTA. “This is only the beginning,” Odigie affirmed. “We are committed to building strong relationships with the AfCFTA Secretariat, national governments, and other stakeholders to make sure that Africa’s trade policies reflect the interests and welfare of its workers.” As trade union leaders converge in Accra, there is a clear message: African workers deserve a seat at the table, and ITUC-Africa is here to ensure they get it.
