The “Decent Work, Fair Trade and Inclusive Growth: An African Trade Union Policy Paper to the G20” is a critical addition to the repertoire of resources produced by the Africa Labour Research and Education Institute (ALREI) to support trade unions’ efforts to promote decent work in Africa. The publication of this brief is significant both in content and timing, as it highlights the continent’s dire socioeconomic and labour market conditions and presents nine key demands ahead of the G20 summit. 

 The paper underscores the deepening social and economic crises in Africa. It highlights how global inflationary shocks and tightening international finance have constrained economic growth and widened inequality. Labour markets remain dominated by informality and precarious work, with about 85% of Sub-Saharan African workers employed in the informal economy, usually without contracts or social protection cover. Education and skills deficits compound these challenges, as many African education and training systems remain under-resourced and poorly aligned with labour market and development needs. The continent also remains the least industrialised in the world, constrained by weak infrastructure and limited connectivity. Climate shocks threaten livelihoods in agriculture, fisheries, and construction, while the growing debt burden is shrinking fiscal space for social investment and decent work. 

Against this backdrop, the brief highlights the strategic opportunities offered by trade and regional integration, particularly through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). It underscores the AfCFTA’s potential to increase intra-African trade by over 50 per cent and lift around 30 million people out of poverty by 2035. It can also shift Africa’s economies from raw commodity exports toward value-added manufacturing and services, thereby enhancing productivity and creating decent jobs. 

Drawing on the prevailing socioeconomic context and the structural opportunities of the AfCFTA, the policy brief puts forward nine key recommendations and demands for G20 leaders: 

1. Adopt ambitious job-creation targets. 
2. Invest in productive, climate-friendly sectors. 
3. Strengthen labour rights and social protection. 
4. Include labour standards and social clauses in trade agreements. 
5. Support youth employment and inclusion. 
6. Promote migration and mobility rights. 
7. Cancel illegitimate debt and expand financing for Africa. 
8. Ensure climate finance incorporates job-creation objectives. 
9. Affirm African agency and development justice.

View the full policy brief: Decent Work, Fair Trade and Inclusive Growth: An African Trade Union Policy Paper to the G20