News

The 4th UNI Africa Finance Conference took place on the 20th March 2017, in Dakar, Senegal, bringing together around 70 delegates from 15 unions in 15 countries.

The Conference was chaired by UNI Africa Finance President, Comrade Joe Kokela.

Throughout the meeting, the economic crises the countries and workers of Africa are facing  featured heavily in discussions as did other related challenges . As a solution, trade unions emphasized social solidarity and dialogue to overcome economic challenges, digitalization of the working environment and importance of Global Frame Work Agreements (GFAs) and collective bargaining by intensifying organizing to achieve prosperity for workers.

A special emphasis was put on the gender balance among delegates. Although we noted only 38% women delegate attendance, we are proud to inform that the new elected steering committee comprises 50% women.

The 4th Finance Conference elected a new President  Noomen Gharbi from FGBEF-Tunisia after the unanimous confirmation of the credentials.

Comrades Moses Lekota from SASBO South Africa and Tene Tougma from FESBACI Burkina Faso were elected as the Deputy Presidents after the report on activities that took place during the ending term.

As a conclusion UNI Africa Finance, welcomed the contribution of youth and committed to focus on unions and their members’ training to go “Forward for a new Africa: mobilize, organize and innovate”.

The conference also recognized the work of the outgoing president Joe Kokela during the past 2 mandate that he spent at the head the committee. The conference also appreciated the presence and the support of the UNI Finance Head of Department Angelo Di Cristo and the UNI Finance Coordinator Anna Harvey. Our thanks also go to Veronica Fernandez-Mendez, Head of UNI Equal opportunity for her assistance with gender balance in the meeting. The conference was adjourned with a lot of hope for the future!