Advancing Trade Justice and Workers’ Rights in the Era of AfCFTA: A Strategic Moment for African Labour

Amid intensifying geopolitical tensions, including the US-China trade conflict and rising protectionism, labour movements expressed concern over shrinking bargaining rights and the erosion of democratic labour institutions. The looming 2026 US G20 Presidency raises further concerns, with labour market institutions increasingly dismissed as “red tape” rather than safeguards for decent work and dignity.

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was recognised as a transformative platform to advance regional integration, formalise informal work, and standardise labour conditions. Trade unions called for deeper engagement in AfCFTA processes, stronger advocacy tools, and measurable commitments from L20 partners.
Key priorities included:
•    Decent work, collective bargaining, and social protection.
•    Debt and tax justice, inclusive economies, and gender equity.
•    Climate justice, peace and security, and democratic governance.

The L20 session on EU-Africa value chain reorganisation highlighted the need for African agency, co-creation, and mutual benefit. Trade unions emphasized that industrialisation, job creation, and social justice must be central to any future trade architecture. This moment demands renewed internationalism. African trade unions must be integrated into new value chains and global partnerships that prioritise equity, sustainability, and the rights of all workers.

On 26–27 July 2025, ITCU, COSATU, Sask, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland, and the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung South Africa convened a high-level L20 side event alongside the G20 under South Africa’s presidency with the theme "Trade Justice and Workers’ Rights in the Era of AfCFTA." The discussions brought together trade union leaders, activists, and allies to reflect on the challenges and opportunities facing workers in today’s shifting geopolitical and trade landscape.