Organisational and Project Background:
The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa), through the Africa Labour Research and Education Institute (ALREI), is implementing activities under the project Strengthening Transnational Civil Society to (…)
The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa), through its Just Transition Programme, is implementing initiatives aimed at strengthening the strategic, institutional, and technical capacity of African trade unions to engage effectively in climate (…)
Background:
The African labour movement continues to play a vital role in defending workers’ rights, promoting social justice, and advancing inclusive economic transformation. Yet the conditions under which many women work across the continent remain marked by structural disadvantage. Women are (…)
At the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD-12) in Addis Ababa held April 28-30, 2026, one reality quietly dominated discussions: Africa is running out of excuses faster than it is running out of time.
Background and Rationale
Across Africa, the informal economy remains the largest source of employment, engaging millions of workers who contribute significantly to national economies and local livelihoods. Yet many workers in the informal economy continue to face precarious working conditions, (…)
Abstract
This paper examines the structural disconnect between economic growth and decent work outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite sustained periods of GDP expansion, employment growth has remained insufficient and largely concentrated in informal and vulnerable sectors. Using employment (…)
The ITUC-Africa Advocacy Toolkit is a comprehensive and practical resource designed to help trade unions, worker organisations, policymakers, and advocacy groups improve workplace safety across Africa. It provides guidance on identifying workplace hazards, engaging in policy reforms, and (…)
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) stands as Africa’s most ambitious economic undertaking to date. It seeks to establish a single continental market, deepen economic integration, and unlock regional value chains. The Agreement is anchored in eight core protocols covering trade in (…)
African trade unions have evolved from an early focus on working conditions and workplace issues to addressing colonial racism and oppression and then joining forces with anti-colonial and national liberation struggles. They have pursued the democratization of their polities and are now actively (…)
Africa faces a mounting social and economic crisis, shaped by global
shocks, weak job creation, and rising debt. By 2025, governments owe
over $2.1 trillion, and in many cases debt service consumes more than
40% of revenues, leaving little for schools, health systems, or jobcreating (…)