The second day of the 45th General Council of the Organisation of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU) in Accra, Ghana, spotlighted the vital role of trade unions in shaping socio-economic policy through an engaging workshop in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO).

Senior Specialist of Workers’ Activities at the ILO ACTRAV, Dr. Rafael Peel gave a presentation that underscored social dialogue as a cornerstone of workplace democracy and a powerful tool for navigating economic and social transitions. He highlighted critical challenges such as poverty, youth unemployment, and climate change that hinder Africa’s progress, emphasizing the need for stronger trade unions. With union density in Africa at just 19%, he called on unions to build internal capacity and push for inclusive, impactful policy discussions.

Delegates collaboratively identified solutions to key issues, including the inclusion of women and youth, addressing low wages and inequality, tackling unemployment, and strengthening union structures. Recommendations included leveraging traditional and social media for advocacy, enforcing gender and youth quotas in leadership, fostering partnerships, creating tripartite dialogue platforms, and advocating for reforms to labor laws and institutional frameworks.