Trade unions representing African workers have called for greater involvement in shaping the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to ensure that labour rights and protections are integrated into the historic trade agreement.
In a joint statement issued at Nairobi’s Sarova Hotel, the Central Organisation of Trade Unions—Kenya (COTU-K) and the African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) emphasized that workers must be at the core of the AfCFTA's implementation.
The unions voiced their concerns over the potential exclusion of workers’ rights in the current AfCFTA framework and called on the Kenyan government to push for a labour chapter in upcoming protocol reviews.
They also urged the government to engage trade unions in all negotiations under AfCFTA, as well as in other bilateral agreements such as the Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership (STIP) with the United States and the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
They highlighted the critical role workers play in driving economic production across the continent and warned that economic growth, trade expansion, and industrialisation must not come at the expense of decent work standards.
“Economic growth, trade expansion, and industrialisation must go hand in hand with the promotion of decent work,” the statement reads.
“This includes respect for workers’ rights, social protection, social dialogue, and employment creation coupled with fair wages.”
They called on the Kenyan government to advocate for a labour chapter in AfCFTA protocols to protect vulnerable groups, including women, youth, and informal workers.
The unions highlighted the importance of skills development, urging African governments to invest in education and vocational training to prepare workers for new technologies like artificial intelligence and big data.
They argued that equipping workers with up-to-date skills is essential for building a competitive workforce and creating opportunities for women and young people in Africa’s industrialization efforts.
COTU-K and ITUC-Africa also stressed the need for robust social protection systems to shield workers from the economic shocks that may result from the implementation of AfCFTA.
They called on Kenya to fully implement the New Social Contract for Social Justice in Africa, which would ensure that workers are protected from market volatility and economic transitions.
Additionally, the unions called for a just transition to a greener economy, urging African governments to incorporate environmental sustainability into trade protocols.
They also demanded that women and youth, who are key to Africa’s trade and economic future, be included in all AfCFTA-related policies and negotiations.
Finally, they advocated for the inclusion of trade unions in decision-making processes within the AfCFTA framework to ensure workers' interests are safeguarded.
“There is no trade without workers!”
“Together, we can build a future where trade promotes equitable development, protects workers, and fosters a sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous Africa for all,” they said.