I. Background

Africa, renowned for its rich cultural diversity and abundant natural resources, aspires to chart a future characterized by elevated living standards, enhanced quality of life, and robust well-being for its diverse populace. At the heart of this collective vision is the pursuit of comprehensive economic transformation, anchored in a populace that is not only well-educated and skilled but also deeply rooted in science, technology, and innovation to foster the emergence of a knowledge society. The continent envisions cities and settlements as vibrant hubs of cultural and economic activities, equipped with modernized infrastructure. Access to affordable and decent housing, along with basic necessities like water, sanitation, energy, public transport, and information and communication technology (ICT), is deemed essential for fostering economic progress. Structural transformations in economies are sought to ensure shared growth, decent jobs, and economic opportunities for all. The vision also entails modernizing agriculture for increased production, productivity, and value addition to contribute to both farmer and national prosperity, ensuring Africa’s collective food security. Additionally, Africa envisions healthy ecosystems, valued natural endowments, and resilient economies, guided by climate-friendly practices.

Despite these aspirations, persistent economic challenges that affects workers hinder the realization of Africa’s vision for economic transformation.

II. Problem Statement

In the pursuit of a transformative vision for Africa, the African worker faces multifaceted challenges. The impact of neo-colonialism, with lingering power dynamics and economic dependencies, casts a long shadow over the continent’s aspirations for self-determination and economic autonomy. Structural Adjustment Programs (SAPs) imposed by international financial institutions have left enduring imprints, shaping economic policies and influencing development trajectories, often to the detriment of workers’ rights and job security.
A crucial component of economic transformation is a well-educated and skilled citizenry. However, persistent challenges in education, including access disparities, quality variations, and the impact of historical legacies, affect the African worker’s ability to compete in an increasingly globalized and technologically advanced job market. Healthcare, another cornerstone of a prosperous society, is intricately linked to the well-being of the African worker. Insufficient healthcare infrastructure, limited access to quality medical services, and the ongoing challenges posed by diseases impact not only the individual worker but also the overall productivity and resilience of the workforce. Infrastructure development is a linchpin in fostering economic progress, yet inadequate infrastructure remains a challenge. Deficient transportation networks, energy access, and digital connectivity hinder the seamless functioning of businesses and affect the daily lives of workers, impeding their ability to contribute fully to economic activities. Furthermore, the prevailing pattern of exporting raw materials to developed economies, often under terms less favorable to African nations, remains a critical concern. This trade dynamic perpetuates imbalances, hindering the ability of African countries to capture the full value of their resources and participate equitably in the global economy, directly affecting the economic well-being of workers.

The historical and contemporary debt burdens, largely stemming from engagements with Bretton Woods institutions, significantly impact Africa’s economy. The conditions and terms attached to loans have, at times, constrained policy flexibility, posing challenges to sustainable development and jeopardizing social protections for workers.

In the pursuit of economic transformation, Africa’s vision also encompasses structural changes within economies to ensure shared growth, creation of decent jobs, and the provision of economic opportunities for all citizens. Modernizing agriculture stands as a key pillar, with a focus on increased production, enhanced productivity, and value addition, contributing not only to individual farmer prosperity but also to national food security, directly impacting workers in the agricultural sector. Lastly, the envisioned future for Africa underscores the importance of maintaining healthy ecosystems, valuing natural endowments, and fostering resilient economies through climate-friendly practices. This holistic approach acknowledges the interconnectedness of economic development, environmental sustainability, and the well-being of African nations, with a direct link to the social protections and livelihoods of workers. The following problems derve unique attention.

A. Economic Disparities and Job Creation
Africa faces significant disparities in economic growth, translating to uneven job opportunities among nations. For example, while countries like Nigeria and South Africa have experienced notable economic strides, nations like Chad and Niger lag behind, struggling to create sufficient employment opportunities for their populations. High levels of youth unemployment, exemplified by rates exceeding 25% in countries like Zimbabwe and Lesotho, underscore the pressing need for targeted interventions in job creation to harness the demographic dividend.

B. Informal Economy and Decent Work
The prevalence of the informal economy, despite contributing significantly to GDP, poses challenges related to job insecurity, lack of social protection, and exploitation. In countries like Ghana and Kenya, where a substantial portion of the workforce operates informally, workers face vulnerabilities, hindering their transition to more formalized and secure employment. Transformative economic policies must address the unique challenges faced by informal workers to ensure decent work conditions.

C. Inequality in Access to Economic Opportunities
Disparities in accessing economic opportunities persist, contributing to a wide economic divide. In Nigeria, for instance, urban areas experience more significant economic opportunities than rural counterparts, leading to substantial income disparities. Bridging this gap requires targeted initiatives to ensure that economic opportunities are distributed more equitably, fostering inclusive economic growth.

D. Limited Access to Education and Skills Development
The vision for a knowledge society is hindered by challenges in accessing quality education and skills development. In countries like Mali and Burkina Faso, inadequate opportunities for citizens to acquire essential skills limit their full participation in the knowledge economy. Investments in education and skills development programs are crucial for fostering innovation and technological advancements.

E. Challenges in Modernizing Agriculture
Despite the aspirations for modernized agriculture, challenges persist in achieving increased production, productivity, and value addition. In Ethiopia and Tanzania, outdated farming practices and limited access to modern agricultural technologies hinder the sector’s transformative potential. Agricultural policies must prioritize the adoption of innovative practices to ensure sustainability, enhance farmer prosperity, and contribute significantly to national food security.

F. Environmental Sustainability and Climate-Resilient Economies
The vision for resilient economies and communities faces challenges posed by climate change and inadequate conservation efforts. In countries like Sudan and Chad, where climate change poses significant threats to agriculture and livelihoods, the need for sustainable practices is critical. Economic policies must align with climate-friendly practices to protect Africa’s unique natural endowments and ensure the longevity of economic activities in harmony with the environment.

G. Governance Challenges and Investment Climate
Weak governance structures, characterized by corruption and lack of transparency, pose hurdles to creating an investment-friendly climate. In countries like Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo, where governance challenges hinder economic development, transformative economic policies must address corruption and strengthen institutions to attract both domestic and foreign investments.

H. Inadequate Legal Frameworks for Economic Growth
The absence of robust legal frameworks inhibits economic growth and job creation. In countries such as Mozambique and Angola, where legal mechanisms for resolving disputes, enforcing contracts, and protecting property rights are inadequate, there is a need for legal reforms to create an environment conducive to sustained economic transformation.

I. Empowering Women and Ensuring Gender-Responsive Economic Policies
Despite the goal of empowering women to play significant roles in economic activities, barriers persist. In Sudan and Nigeria, cultural and structural impediments limit women’s participation, hindering the creation of inclusive and equitable societies. Transformative economic policies must prioritize gender-responsive initiatives to ensure the active involvement of women in driving economic transformation.

J. Youth Unemployment and Entrepreneurship
The vision for engaged and empowered youth faces challenges related to limited access to quality education and job opportunities. In countries like Kenya and Uganda, fostering entrepreneurship and providing support for youth-led initiatives are critical for harnessing their potential as drivers of economic transformation. Targeted youth-focused programs must be implemented to address these challenges.

K. Capacity Building for Transformative Leadership
The vision for capable institutions and transformative leadership encounters challenges related to capacity building. Weak institutions, coupled with a lack of transformative leadership, hinder the effective implementation of policies necessary for achieving the outlined economic goals. Capacity-building initiatives must be prioritized to strengthen institutions and develop leadership capabilities at all levels.

L. Limited Role of Trade Unions and Workers in Economic Transformation
While envisioning a future of economic prosperity and shared growth, it is imperative to acknowledge the limited involvement of trade unions and workers in the discourse and formulation of transformative economic policies across the African continent. The pivotal role that these stakeholders could play in shaping and implementing effective solutions has been overshadowed by the predominant influence of politicians and their associates. Unfortunately, the narrative of economic transformation has largely been dictated by elected leaders and their cronies, sidelining the voices of those directly impacted – the workers.

Trade unions, as representatives of the working class, have not been at the centre of the economic transformation agenda. Rather, decisions and policies have often been driven by political considerations, leaving the genuine concerns and aspirations of workers unaddressed. The absence of a robust network of economic thinkers, inclusive of trade unions, like-minded stakeholders and workers, has further exacerbated the challenges faced by the workforce in Africa.

The dearth of alternative solutions from key stakeholders, particularly trade unions, has allowed a status quo where politicians and their cronies dictate the economic narrative. As a result, the continent has witnessed a lack of innovative approaches and inclusive policies that prioritize the well-being of workers and the broader population. The exclusion of trade unions and like-minded stakeholders from the core discussions on economic transformation has led to a disconnect between policies and the real needs of the workforce.

The Africa Trade Union Network for Economic Transformation (ATUNET) seeks to rectify this historical oversight by positioning trade unions, like-minders stakeholders and workers at the forefront of shaping Africa’s economic future. By fostering collaboration and providing a platform for economic thinkers from diverse backgrounds, including workers, the network aims to bridge the gap between policymakers and the workforce. Through inclusive dialogue and the exchange of ideas, the network intends to contribute alternative solutions that prioritize the equitable distribution of economic opportunities, job security, and the well-being of the people.

I. What is ATUNET?
Africa Trade Union Network for Economic Transformation (ATUNET) is an initiative under the auspices of Africa Regional Organization of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa). While maintaining its autonomy, ATUNET collaborates closely with the Trade Union Development Cooperation Network (TUDCN), an initiative facilitated by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) in Brussels.

II. Why ATUNET?
The Africa Trade Union Network for Economic Transformation (ATUNET) is crucial in addressing challenges faced by workers. One primary role is empowering the workforce through advocacy for labor rights, fair wages, and improved working conditions. ATUNET aims to strengthen the collective bargaining power of trade unions, ensuring active worker participation in shaping policies for a balanced work environment.
Additionally, the network plays a pivotal role in influencing inclusive economic policies. By fostering collaboration among trade unions, economic thinkers, and stakeholders, ATUNET contributes to alternative solutions that prioritize equitable economic opportunities, social justice, and sustainable development, challenging exclusive policies driven by political interests. ATUNET strives to promote strategies benefiting the broader population and addressing challenges faced by African economies. Job creation and skills development are central to ATUNET’s agenda. Actively engaging in initiatives related to employment and skill enhancement, the network aims to influence policies for creating decent jobs and personal development opportunities, aligning with the vision of economic transformation.

III. Goal of ATUNET
The overall goal of the Africa Trade Union Network for Economic Transformation (ATUNET) is to champion and contribute to the economic transformation of Africa with a primary focus on empowering workers, promoting decent work, influencing inclusive economic policies, and fostering a collaborative environment among diverse stakeholders.

IV. Objectives of ATUNET
The African Trade Union Network for Economic Transformation (ATUNET) is dedicated to strengthening the role of trade unions in shaping Africa’s economic and social policies. Its core objectives are:

1. Enhancing Trade Union Influence in Economic Policy
ATUNET seeks to build the capacity of trade unions to participate effectively in economic policy discussions, ensuring that workers’ rights and interests are safeguarded in national, regional, and continental economic frameworks, including the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

2. Promoting Decent Work and Economic Justice
The network advocates for policies that foster decent work, fair wages, and inclusive economic growth across Africa. It supports trade unions in their efforts to secure better working conditions, social protection, and fair treatment for all workers, including those in the informal economy.

3. Building Trade Union Capacity and Facilitating Knowledge Exchange
ATUNET provides research, training, and strategic guidance to equip trade unions with the skills needed to navigate complex economic and trade issues. Through workshops, policy briefings, and networking opportunities, it strengthens unions’ ability to engage in evidence-based policy advocacy.

4. Advancing Industrialisation and Sustainable Development
The network champions industrial policies that prioritise value addition, local job creation, and sustainable economic growth. It encourages trade unions to advocate for industrial strategies that align with Africa’s development agenda, such as Agenda 2063.

5. Strengthening Trade Union Engagement in Regional and Global Trade Agreements
ATUNET ensures that trade unions actively participate in negotiations on regional and global trade agreements, including AGOA, Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs), and AfCFTA. It works to integrate labour rights, fair trade principles, and social protections into trade policies to benefit African workers.

6. Fostering Social Dialogue and Multi-Stakeholder Engagement
The network promotes collaboration between trade unions, governments, employers, and civil society organisations to develop inclusive economic policies. It seeks to institutionalise social dialogue mechanisms that uphold workers’ rights and economic justice.

7. Advocating for Fair Economic Policies and Debt Justice
ATUNET campaigns for macroeconomic policies that prioritise social justice, including responsible borrowing, debt sustainability, and investment in public services. It challenges exploitative financial arrangements that undermine Africa’s economic sovereignty.

8. Harnessing Digital Transformation to Protect Workers’ Rights
Recognising the impact of digitalisation on the future of work, ATUNET supports trade unions in adapting to technological advancements. It ensures that automation, artificial intelligence, and digital platforms create opportunities for fair employment rather than eroding workers’ rights.

V. Membership
Membership in the Africa Trade Union Network for Economic Transformation (ATUNET) is open to a diverse range of entities that share a commitment to the network’s objectives and principles. Eligible members include:

1. *Trade Unions
2. Workers’ Associations
3. Economic Think Tanks
4. Educational Institutions
5. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
6. Government Agencies
7. Business and Industry Associations
8. Individual Researchers and Professionals

VI. Network Secretariate
The network is coordinated by the Africa Labor Research and Education Institute (ALREI) of ITUC-Africa.
Office Address and Contact:
ALREI/ ITUC-Africa
Route internationale d’Atakpamé
Centre FOPADESC Agoè-Zongo
Lome, Togo
Phone : +228 22 25 07 10 Fax: +228 22 25 61 13
Email : atunet@ituc-africa.org