This policy brief examines the integration of human rights principles into African trade policies, focusing on the role of trade unions in advocating for equitable and inclusive trade practices. Africa’s trade andscape, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), presents immense opportunities for economic growth but also significant risks of labour exploitation and rights violations. This brief provides a critical analysis of the current trade environment, emphasising the need for robust labour protections, gender equity, and the inclusion of informal workers. Drawing on case studies from Ghana’s cocoa sector and South Africa’s mining industry, the document highlights successful trade union interventions and outlines actionable recommendations for aligning trade policies with international human rights standards. Key recommendations include mandating human rights impact assessments for all trade policies, integrating binding labour protections into AfCFTA protocols, expanding social protections for informal workers, and promoting gender equity through targeted policies. Collaboration among governments, the African Union, trade unions, civil society, international organisations, and the private sector is essential to achieving a trade framework that upholds human and trade union rights while fostering sustainable development across Africa.