1 Introduction
Migration is a natural human phenomenon that has significantly contributed to human development, economic growth, and cultural exchange. It addresses labour shortages within markets and serves as a crucial economic survival strategy for many. Migration is an essential livelihood strategy for many African women seeking economic opportunities both within the continent and beyond. While migration offers financial independence and improved economic prospects, the labour conditions faced by African women migrants remain precarious. They often endure exploitation, discrimination, and abuse in their host countries, particularly in domestic work, informal trade, and low-skilled service sectors. This experience-gathering research attempts to examine the labour conditions of African women migrants, highlighting their challenges, economic contributions, gender-specific migration experiences, and the legal and policy landscape that governs their mobility. The study will discuss African trade unions’ perspectives on labour migration and African women’s experiences. The study will also attempt to contrast intra-African migration with extra-African migration, detailing the unique challenges posed by each. 20 African countries will be drawn for this comprehensive study. Additionally, the role of trade unions in mitigating the negative narrative and effects of migration and protecting women migrant workers’ rights shall be explored.

“The Union Lifted Me Up – Together, We Rise” is more than a campaign – it is a movement that brings women, young people, vulnerable workers in the informal economy and workers in the formal economy who lack union representation in both the public and private sectors into the trade union family. By harnessing digital platforms, powerful storytelling and real worker victories, the campaign will inspire a new generation of workers to unite, organise and fight for dignity and justice.

Migration is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that has profound implications for individuals, communities, and nations. In the West African context, Ghana and Burkina Faso stand out as countries experiencing significant migration patterns. The movement of people across borders is not only influenced by economic factors but is also deeply embedded in sociocultural dynamics, historical ties, and regional interactions. Understanding the role of migrant associations in these contexts becomes crucial for grasping the broader implications of migration on both the sending and receiving communities.
This research project focuses on mapping migrant associations in Ghana and Burkina Faso, shedding light on the organizational strategies, solidarity networks, and collaborative alliances that shape the experiences of migrants in these regions. By delving into the intricate web of relationships formed by these associations, the research aims at contributing to a nuanced understanding of migration dynamics and the ways in which migrant communities organize themselves to navigate the challenges they face.

This discussion paper explores the necessity of establishing a “new social contract” in Africa, aimed at redefining the relationship between workers, employers, and governments amid significant economic, social, and environmental changes. The old social contract, rooted in post-World War II agreements, has largely failed in Africa due to factors such as neoliberal policies, structural adjustment programmes, and the rise of precarious work in the informal economy. These failures have been exacerbated by technological disruptions and the climate crisis, necessitating a framework that prioritises social justice, equity, and inclusion. Globally, trade unons have six central demands for this new social contract: decent and climate-friendly jobs, universal worker rights, minimum living wages, universal social protection, equality, and inclusion. The discussion paper argues that African trade unions are uniquely positioned to advocate for these principles, leveraging their historical advocacy and strategic roles. It further recommends actionable steps for trade unions to advance this agenda, including strengthening labour rights in the informal economy, championing just transitions, and promoting inclusive growth policies. Ultimately, the establishment of a new social contract is presented as a critical path towards a fairer, more resilient future of work in Africa, emphasizing the collaborative role of trade unions, employers, and governments in fostering social justice and economic prosperity.

During a recent courtesy call by the African Regional organization of the International Trade Union Confederation Africa (ITUC-Africa) and the Trade Union Congress of Namibia (TUCNA) to the Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation in Namibia on November 8, 2024, a range of proposals were presented to address key issues in Namibia’s labour sector, with a special focus on advancing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) implementation and enhancing labour protections. Key representatives from ITUC-Africa, TUCNA, and the Ministry shared their insights on how to promote economic growth, social protection, and unity within the Namibian labour movement. This visit was made possible by the support of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland through the Trade Union Solidarity Centre of Finland (SASK),