“It is the responsibility of trade policy makers to listen to the youth, and understand our challenges and work with us to ensure that trade and trade governance contribute to more inclusive, sustainable development outcomes.”
Adjele Mensah, Youth Programme and Communications Coordinator at ITUC-Africa, on efforts to mobilise and empower young people to engage with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Adjele Mensah, Youth Programme and Communications Coordinator at ITUC-Africa, on efforts to mobilise and empower young people to engage with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).How are you mobilising young people to engage with the AfCFTA?
Young people were not involved in AfCFTA talks. They are familiar with the term free trade area, but few truly know the details of the AfCFTA agreement and its implications. ITUC-Africa is mobilising young people, providing the information and education they need to engage meaningfully. We have raised awareness on the AfCFTA and strengthened the understanding of the Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade through workshops and communications. We create simplified, interactive content for young audiences on social media and youth networks. ALREI produces simplified reports and briefings, which we make accessible and easy to share. As young people, we want the AfCFTA to include a protocol on labour provisions with concrete commitments to job creation. But not just any jobs: we want quality jobs meeting human rights and decent work standards. The agreement should also support youth entrepreneurship to thrive.
Have there been any experiences of trade and social dialogue involving young people?
Youth involvement in social dialogue varies across countries. In Senegal, for example, the youth council promoted the agenda of the AfCFTA and the Women and Youth Protocol within the tripartite social dialogue structure. In many countries, social dialogue is more informal. In Togo, a partner organisation provided training to domestic workers on the AfCFTA Women and Youth Protocol, aiming to include . informal workers in AfCFTA processes. ITUC-Africa demands inclusive social dialogue and participation of trade unions in AfCFTA national implementation committees. Affiliates in Namibia, Rwanda, Kenya, Ghana, and Nigeria have made notable progress in advocating for inclusion in AfCFTA implementation committees.
What are the demands of the youth on the AfCFTA?
Youth demand participation in AfCFTA development, quality jobs, support for entrepreneurs, trade policies that prioritise people and sustainable development, and recognition of our collective power.
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Zanele Chakela
Zanele Chakela is the Communications Coordinator at Labour Research Service.