As we mark the International Day of Labour and Solidarity today, I want to underscore the need to make significant strides to achieve social justice and decent work in Africa under the principle of leaving no one behind in a pioneering spirit of inclusion and sustainable socio-economic growth of our national economies. In Africa there must be no room for inequality, discrimination and exclusion in the workplace.

Promoting a culture to realize and uphold labour rights as human rights, and to ensure human dignity is not an option but a precursor to expand access to productive and freely chosen employment and enterprises; provide protection and build economic resilience; strengthen just transitions, trade and investment; and reinforce institutions of social dialogue. The Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) is a window of opportunity for advancing decent work and social justice in Africa, due to its global recognition as a model for inclusivity that innovatively addresses economic, social, and environmental challenges.

To bring these into reality, the Commission developed a Ten-Year Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) Strategy and its Implementation Plan (2023-2032) which envisions to advance social protection, poverty reduction, boost employment, promotes community development, increase access to:  affordable finance, quality and inclusive education and health care, sustainable food security, gender equality and the empowerment of women, youth, and persons living with disabilities as well as those in vulnerable situations. The strategy further intends to promotes democracy and social justice, including increasing awareness of human and labour rights, and ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable development deeply rooted in our AU Agenda 2063.

Again, as we recognize the importance and significant contributions of every single worker, the world over today, I wish to reiterate that achieving the full potential of decent work and social justice is attainable, but we must work hand-in-hand and side-by-side to achieve this reality. There is a pressing need to reassess development strategies and prioritize human needs, the rights and wellbeing of all workers. The African Union Commission reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that Africans have opportunities to pursue an acceptable standard of living, in conditions of freedom and dignity, economic security, and equal opportunity for all. Therefore, I call on all AU member states, Workers’ Organizations, Employers’ Organizations, International Partners and all stakeholders to remain a driving force in shaping a world of work where relevant foundations are laid to advance decent work to attain the full length of social justice.

The Commission takes this opportunity to wish all AU workers, member states and stakeholders a wonderful International Labour Day reminding us to keep pressing towards realizing “The Africa We Want”.

Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org I Web: au.int | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Follow Us: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube