Organised labour under the African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC‑Africa) has warned that inequality and economic hardship are deepening across the continent. Speaking on International Workers’ Day, ITUC‑Africa said wealth is increasingly concentrated in the hands of a small elite while the majority of workers face rising living costs, limited job opportunities and persistent inflation.
In a statement released by General Secretary Akhator Joel Odigie, the federation attributed the trend to structural economic challenges, including corruption, illicit financial flows and weak fiscal accountability in several jurisdictions. The labour body estimates that billions of dollars are lost each year through tax avoidance, capital flight and governance gaps – resources that could otherwise fund public services, infrastructure and job‑creation programmes.
The statement highlighted that workers in many African countries continue to confront unemployment pressures, soaring prices and shrinking economic prospects. ITUC‑Africa criticised austerity‑oriented policies that, in its view, exacerbate wage stagnation and cut public‑service provision. It called for reforms such as more progressive tax systems, stronger financial oversight and measures to curb illicit outflows.
Socio‑political tensions and ongoing conflicts in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mali were also cited as factors disrupting livelihoods and labour markets. Despite these challenges, the federation pointed to emerging opportunities linked to global demand for critical minerals needed for energy‑transition technologies. ITUC‑Africa urged governments to prioritise industrial development, value‑addition and regional trade rather than relying on raw‑material exports.
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was identified as a key framework for boosting intra‑African trade and creating jobs through regional value chains. The organisation called for expanded investment in energy infrastructure, enhanced social‑protection systems, stronger labour rights and fair migration policies, warning that unchecked inequality could accelerate the outflow of skilled workers.
ITUC‑Africa concluded by urging workers and trade unions to remain organised and actively engage in advocacy for accountability and reform, emphasizing that collective action is essential to advancing labour interests and achieving inclusive, sustainable growth in Africa.
