By Michael Oche
African workers have placed inequality, insecurity, and industrialisation at the centre of their demands as they mark this year’s International Workers’ Day, warning that the continent’s vast potential continues to be undermined by poor governance, economic exclusion, and weak productive capacity.
Under the umbrella of the African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa), the workers said widening inequality, driven by corruption, illicit financial flows, and unfair economic systems, has deepened poverty and eroded the gains of democratic governance across many African countries.
In his May Day message to workers across the continent, ITUC-Africa General Secretary Akhator Joel Odigie charged workers to rise as the defenders of democracy, economic justice, peace, and human dignity.
ITUC-Africa General Secretary said the continent is grappling with deep structural challenges driven by corruption, illicit financial flows, and economic policies that concentrate wealth in the hands of a few while leaving the majority in poverty.
He criticised austerity measures that cut public services and wages, arguing that fiscal reforms must prioritise justice through progressive taxation, stronger accountability in public finance, and protection of workers’ incomes.
He said, “Every year, billions are siphoned from our economies through corruption, tax abuse, and capital flight. These stolen resources are the schools not built, the hospitals not equipped, the jobs not created. They are, quite literally, the futures of our youth and workers—rooted. At the same time, democracy hard won through struggle-has too often failed to deliver its promises.
“Across the continent, workers face rising prices, joblessness, and exclusion, while political elites prosper. This growing disconnect is breeding frustration, disillusionment. and instability.
“We reject austerity measures that target workers’ wages and public services while leaving untouched the insatiable spending of political elites and endless concessions to big businesses. Fiscal consolidation cannot be built on the backs of workers. It must begin with justice: progressive taxation, the end of IFFs, and accountable public finance.”
On the state security in the continent, Odigie stressed that peace and security remain central to development and workers’ dignity, warning that ongoing conflicts across the continent continue to destroy lives and livelihoods while weakening labour institutions.
He called for an immediate end to conflicts in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mali, and other affected regions, while also condemning external forces he said contribute to instability in order to exploit Africa’s resources.
“Workers will not remain silent while our continent is plundered under the cover of conflict. Trade unions must raise their voices for peace, justice, and accountability,” he said.
The organisation noted that Africa stands at a historic crossroads amid rising global demand for critical minerals needed for the energy transition, describing it as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity.”
However, it warned against repeating past mistakes where Africa exported raw resources while importing poverty during earlier commodity booms such as oil and gold.
“This time, Africa must beneficiate, industrialise, and retain value,” Odigie said.
ITUC-Africa General Secretary also called for urgent investment in skills development, research, and technology to build a workforce capable of driving value addition across mineral value chains.
He urged full implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to deepen intra-African trade and promote regional value chains that prioritise workers and communities.
The workers organisation called for a new development path anchored on people-centred policies, including bold investments in energy infrastructure to address energy poverty and support industrial growth.
It demanded stronger labour protections and universal social protection systems covering all workers, including those in the informal sector.
ITUC-Africa also urged African governments to exit the debt trap through responsible, development-focused borrowing and to adopt progressive tax systems, including taxation of High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs).
