The African Regional Organization of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa), has pledged to support the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) across the continent to create jobs.

The General Secretary of ITUC-Africa, Kwasi Adu-Amankwah, who stated this in a statement to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the African Union, which is formerly known as the Organization of African Unity (OAU), said the establishment of the AfCFTA will boost trade amongst African nations as well as create jobs on the continent.

He submitted that the choice of this year’s theme, “Acceleration of African Continental Free Trade Area implementation,” resonates deeply with the ITUC-Africa’s commitment to Pan-Africanism, economic integration, and the empowerment of African workers.

He observed that the AfCFTA represents a historic milestone in Africa’s economic integration, prosperity, and self-determination journey and offers immense potential for job creation, industrialisation, and sustainable development while fostering intra-African trade and reducing our dependence on external markets.

However, he was quick to point out that the continent must acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead, notably the nexus between trade and decent work and the free movement of persons.

“It is crucial that the AfCFTA implementation process prioritizes the welfare of African workers and safeguards their rights. As a trade union organization, we call for a people-centred approach that ensures fair and just working conditions, social protection, and respect for labour rights in all aspects of the AfCFTA. Finding decent, well-paid employment. is one of the main challenges faced by workers in Africa. If the AfCFTA has the potential to stimulate economic growth, it could also create jobs, but this will depend on which sectors benefit most from trade”, he stated.

Adu-Amankwah maintained that workers need to adapt to a rapidly changing labour market and acquire the skills required for future employment opportunities.

He added that in the context of the AfCFTA, the free movement of people is a fundamental component of its success, saying: “The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) asserts that the free movement of people fosters the development of regional value chains, encourages investment, and facilitates the transfer of knowledge and skills across borders. This movement of people enables workers to find employment opportunities in different countries, leading to improved labour mobility and efficiency.”

He expressed satisfaction that the African Union Commission recognized the linkage between the free movement of people and economic integration and also acknowledges that enabling the movement of workers within the African continent promotes economic diversification, enhances productivity, and creates opportunities for entrepreneurship and innovation.

According to him, this realization informs the rationale for adopting the Protocol to the Treaty Establishing the African Economic Community Relating to the Free Movement of Persons, Right of Residence and Right of Establishment.

He stressed the urgent need for other African governments, aside from the only four countries that have ratified the Protocol, should urgently take steps to ratify, domesticate, apply and enforce it.

“We urge African governments, regional economic communities, and all stakeholders to adopt measures that promote decent work, inclusive development, and sustainable industrialization. This requires investments in skills development, technology transfer, infrastructure, and the establishment of robust social protection systems that leave no one behind.

“On this Africa Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to the enduring principles of unity, solidarity and social justice. As we are all encouraged to work together towards the accomplishment of the Africa we want, ITUC-Africa will continue to advocate for the rights and welfare of African workers, ensuring that their voices are heard and their contributions recognized in shaping the future of our continent.