During the second day of the New Year School, several presentations were made on research findings and these were followed by discussions.

Rudi Dicks and Grayson Koyi, both of them resource persons, made their presentations on “World Bank Report: Main issues for African unions” and “IMF Report on Africa: Main issues for trade unions”. The reports focus on development perspectives as well as on IMF and World Bank strategies in terms of formulation of development programmes for Africa.

The reports also state that the World Bank and the IMF impose a macro-economic programme on Africa and have not made any concrete contribution to the continent. Actually, they have impoverished Africa and have slowly increased its indebtedness.

The discussions on these two presentations focused on growth in Africa and the search for an economic policy which is in line with African realities. Delegates insisted on the need to build the capacity of trade unionists on macro-economic issues. They requested ITUC-Africa to commit itself to take part in the African Union meetings in order to advocate for African workers.

The third paper was presented by Hilma Mote on UNDP Report: Main issues for African unions. Hilma presented a historical survey of UNDP Report since 2008. She focused on issues such as gender inequality, the lack of ideology among African trade unions and the need to promote unity in the process of development.
The last but one report of the day was presented by Trywell Kalusopa on the UNECA Report on Africa: Main issues for African unions”. The paper underlined the need for regional integration, the issue of employment and the need to promote social dialogue. In brief, African development is the responsibility of Africans.

At the end of the day, Brother Frederick Amakye Parry of ILO-ACTRAV presented Africa in its current situation which is characterized by unemployment. The report entitled Global employment trends encouraged participants to commit themselves to get Africa out of its situation. This commitment will include the promotion of new economic sectors, investment in infrastructure, the formation of the human capital, health issues, water and electricity in Africa.

After the debates on this presentation, the meeting was adjourned.