Since its inception in 2011, the NYS has been a flagship platform for trade union leaders to build capacity, exchange ideas, and formulate strategies to tackle pressing socio-economic issues affecting African workers. Over the years, the ITUC-Africa New Year School has consistently provided a space for deep reflection and strategic engagement on critical matters, including regional integration, economic transformation, climate change, social protection, and workers’ rights.
The program will be led by the African Labour Research and Education Institute (ALREI), the research and training institute of ITUC-Africa. ALREI will ensure that the discussions and capacity-building sessions are grounded in policy analysis and strategic education.

Building on the momentum of the 2024 edition, this year’s New Year School will focus on:

• Enhancing Employability – Addressing youth unemployment and bridging the skills mismatch in African labour markets.
• Advocating for a Living Wage – Promoting fair wage policies to ensure that workers earn a decent income that meets their basic needs.
• Driving Economic Transformation – Fostering inclusive and sustainable development while balancing economic growth with environmental and social considerations.
• Strengthening Peace and Social Justice – Aligning with the ILO’s Social Justice Agenda to empower trade unions in their advocacy efforts.

Key Development Themes
During the four-day program, discussions will be structured around thematic areas, including:

• Strategies for improving employability and vocational training alignment with labour market needs.
• The role of trade unions in advocating for a living wage and fair wage policies.
• Economic transformation and just transitions for sustainable and equitable development.
• Peace, security, and democracy as essential components of economic and social progress.
• Strengthening labour provisions in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to promote decent work.

The New Year School will feature expert-led lectures, plenaries, panel discussions, and thematic commissions, ensuring an interactive and solutions-oriented approach. A rally event will also be organized to amplify the call for fair wages, youth employment policies, and economic justice for African workers.
Through collective action and strategic advocacy, the 15th edition of the ITUC-Africa New Year School will reinforce the role of trade unions in driving social justice, ensuring that Africa’s economic progress benefits all workers and contributes to a more equitable society.

Participants
The 15th NYS will convene more than100 participants, including:

• Trade union leaders from national, sub-regional, and continental levels.
• ITUC-Africa General Council Members
• Representatives from the International Labour Organization (ILO) and Global Union Federations (GUFs).
• Labour researchers, educators, and solidarity support organizations.
• Youth and women in trade union leadership structures.