Commentators continue to describe Africa as a minerally, materially, and humanely endowed continent but failing to break free from the shackles of surmountable hardship and misery. Yes, the vestiges and echoes of slavery, colonialism as well as assassinations of our genuine leaders and freedom fighters seem confined to a distant and fading past. However, the effects of these actions are still with us. Today, neocolonial, neoliberal capitalist exploitation, state capture and paranoia are ever-dominant and persistent. Although our people are resilient, the impacts of the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) model have contributed to the shrinking political spaces, eroding old gains that workers have previously won. There is a firm resolve by the African workers not to withdraw to lamentation and fatalism. It is on this basis that the "Amka Afrika!" clarion call is intended to reverberate across the continent towards a shared transformative change.

ITUC-Africa envisions a united, democratic, and independent regional organisation working tirelessly for the well-being of all African workers. Our mission is to empower African trade unions, enabling all workers to speak with one resounding voice for safe and healthy workplaces, human and trade union rights, social justice, and the preservation of the environment. We are committed to fighting against all forms of exploitation and discrimination while championing peace, democracy and dignity for every African citizen.
Key Highlights of the Congress.

The 5th Ordinary Congress will convene over 300 delegates, observers, and guests, representing various facets of our vibrant African community and our allies in other continents. The Congress participants will include trade union leaders, women and youth committee representatives, subregional organisation representatives, global union federation representatives, and distinguished personalities who are dedicated to the cause of social justice and equality for all.

Congress delegates will deliberate on critical issues, share experiences, and forge pathways for a brighter future for the African trade union movement. The Congress will explore innovative strategies to address the challenges facing African workers through panel discussions and plenary sessions.

As a prelude to the Congress, several activities are planned, such as the conference of young people and women on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and numerous side events relating to the priorities of the world of work. There will be press conferences to shed more light on the situation of workers, people and communities under varying sanctions on account of unconstitutional changes. There is also a plan to launch a campaign addressing the negative impacts of debts on the African economy and people. Other highlights include the composition of the General Council and the election of officers – Internal Auditors and the General Secretary.

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About ITUC-Africa
The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) is a pan-African trade union organisation created in November 2007 following the merger of two former African trade union organisations, ICFTU-Afro and DOAWTU.
ITUC-Africa has 17 million declared members and 101 affiliated trade union centres in 51 African countries. The headquarters of ITUC-Africa is now in Lome, Togo.
Our mission is to strengthen African trade unions and promote the rights, dignity, and prosperity of African workers. We work for social justice, peace, democracy, and the preservation of the environment on the African continent.

Kwasi Adu-Amankwah
General Secretary