The Organisation of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU) organised a virtual preparatory meeting on 22 September 2025 to begin the process of establishing the African Federation of Leather and Textile Workers.

The aim of the meeting was to unite unions and federations across the continent’s textile and leather sectors, adopt a roadmap for a Constitutive Congress, and set up a Preparatory Commission to guide the process.

The meeting, chaired by OATUU Secretary-General Brother Arezki Mezhoud, brought together trade union leaders from all African sub-regions. Algeria was confirmed as host of the Commission, with Brother Benyoucef Zenati appointed as its President.

Participants reaffirmed their commitment to continental solidarity and to improving working conditions in the sectors, stressing the need to tackle challenges such as unfair competition, precarious work, and poor labour standards.