The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) has urged African governments to adopt and implement bold, progressive and inclusive policies that address the root causes of poverty, hunger, unemployment and dispossession.

In its statement signed by its General Secretary, Joel Odigie, to mark the World Day of Social Justice 2025, ITUC-Africa insisted that Africa’s economic sovereignty and right to industrialisation must be non-negotiable.

It said this year’s theme, ‘Empowering Inclusion: Bridging Gaps for Social Justice’, is both timely and crucial, given the deep-rooted inequalities and structural challenges that continue to marginalise Africa’s workforce and impede its collective development.

It noted that due to long-standing structural injustices, Africa remains at the periphery of the global economy.

“The persistence of energy injustice, the devastating legacy of Structural Adjustment Programmes (SAPs) and the worsening state of insecurity combine to undermine Africa’s right to industrialisation. These challenges have exacerbated poverty, widened inequalities and stifled the potential for decent work and sustainable livelihoods for millions of African workers,” it added.

ITUC-Africa asserted that Africa’s economic sovereignty and right to industrialisation is non-negotiable.

“The continent must be allowed to harness its resources, invest in value-added industries, and build resilient economies prioritising local job creation, fair wages and sustainable development. Without a strong industrial base, Africa will remain vulnerable to external shocks and unable to break free from the cycles of poverty and economic dependency,” it stated.

According to the Continental Trade Union, African governments should institutionalise comprehensive social protection systems to provide safety nets against economic shocks and ensure that no worker is left behind.

It added that decent work and fair wages are fundamental human rights, ensuring workers receive fair compensation for their labour must be the core of government policies while gender equity in the workplace, recognising that women remain disproportionately affected by precarious employment and economic exclusion must be deepened.

ITUC-Africa noted that a just transition to renewable energy ensures that workers are not displaced but integrated into the green economy with adequate reskilling and social protections.

It added: “Africa needs sustainable financing to support its social and economic transformation. Yet, Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs), estimated to drain the continent of billions of dollars annually, continue to deprive African nations of critical resources needed for development. The exploitation of Africa’s wealth by multinational corporations and corrupt elites must end.”

To achieve economic prosperity, ITUC-Africa demanded urgent action to strengthen tax justice mechanisms to ensure multinational corporations and wealthy elites pay their fair share to advance internal resource mobilisation, reduce debt pilling and increase social protection financing opportunities.

It stressed that African governments must take concrete action to combat corruption and strengthen governance structures to promote accountability and transparency, adding: “Implement global financial reforms to curb capital flight and illicit trade practices that threaten the future of African workers and communities.”

It declared that the fight for social justice is a collective responsibility.

It stated that while it welcomes the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Global Coalition for Social Justice for All initiative, it encouraged social partners on the continent to join.

It said: “Therefore, we call upon African governments, employers, trade unions, civil society organisations, and international partners to commit to policies and programmes that bridge inequality gaps, promote inclusive growth, and uphold all workers’ and people’s rights and dignity.”

ITUC-Africa reaffirmed its solidarity with workers across the continent and its unwavering commitment to social justice, equality, and inclusive economic development.