No doubt, technological shifts including artificial intelligence, introduction of robotics, and other digital tools are impacting millions of jobs worldwide and further compounding occupational safety and health impacts.

In Africa, whilst Artificial Intelligence is playing an important role in various sectors, offering opportunities for development and addressing challenges in areas such as agriculture, healthcare, and education; the continent also faces challenges such as adopting and integrating AI, adequate access to digital infrastructure, data scarcity, and ethical considerations.

Within the world of work, AI is transforming the mode of work at unprecedented speed. However, assessment shows the negative impacts will far outweigh the positives if technology is not properly regulated.

Currently, findings show evidence of workers exploitation at the expense of working conditions and safety — putting lives and health at risk. Factors such as increased stress, ergonomic issues, and blurred boundaries between work and personal life are potential risks associated to rapid technological advancements.

As we commemorate this year’s International Workers Memorial Day, the ITUC-Africa joins the Global Trade Union movement to call for:

• African Governments to ensure safe and healthy work environments, infrastructure, laws and policies for employees and workers.

• Governments to provide improved and affordable infrastructure to support the fast pace of technological advancements.

• Full involvement of unions in the design and deployment of workplace AI.

• Transparent, human-centred technology that upholds rights and safety.

• A binding ILO Convention on platform work to protect all workers in the digital economy.

On this day, the Africa Trade Union movement applauds the steadfastness of all the working men and women who continue to provide services amidst the challenges and daunting conditions of work.

We pay homage to the men and women who have lost their lives in the face of adversity at the workplace and reiterate our condolences to their families.

Akhator Joel Odigie
General Secretary, ITUC-Africa

Lomé, 28th April 2025