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Over three days, participants will debate how Africa can fulfil its economic promise without exploiting workers. Issues to be discussed include decent work, fair pay, the right to join a union, collective bargaining and social protection.



UNI Africa Regional Secretary, Zakari Koudoudou said, “We welcome all of the participants who have come here to make sure that Africa’s progress will not be at the expense of the African people who have made it possible. We need strong unions to make the African promise turn into a reality.”



The meeting comes at a time when the IMF is predicting 6% growth across Sub-Saharan Africa and the evolution of a new middle class. The participants will discuss how to ensure that no-one is left out in the spirit of Breaking Through and Including You – the theme of next year’s UNI world congress in Cape Town. The majority of the new jobs will come from the services sector represented by UNI.



The participants will be updated on UNI’s campaigns to reign in the multinationals, notably Walmart who seek to exploit Africa’s promise and G4S, the largest multinational employer across the African region.



Koudoudou said, "This four-yearly regional platform will provide a new opportunity to lay the foundations for better working practices and the independence of African governments from multinationals. In addition, other challenges such as unity, growth and empowerment of trade unions will be discussed. Issues of education, HIV, health and safety in the workplace, solidarity and freedom from fear will also be on the agenda."



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