Trade union leaders from East and West Africa gathered in Lagos, Nigeria on 25–26 February 2026 to confront growing threats to workers’ rights and strengthen regional solidarity in defence of public services. 

The meeting of the Public Services International (PSI) Sub-Regional Advisory Committee (SUBRAC) brought together 40 leaders from PSI affiliates from nine countries — Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Liberia, Ghana, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania (including Zanzibar), and Sierra Leone. Participants reviewed developments affecting public sector workers and explored strategies to strengthen organising, defend labour rights, and protect essential public services in the region.  

Trade union rights under pressure 

Country reports presented during the meeting highlighted serious challenges to trade union rights in several countries in the region. 

Delegates raised particular concern about the situation in Liberia, where public sector unions continue to struggle for official recognition despite the country being a signatory to international labour standards guaranteeing freedom of association. 

Union leaders noted that several engagement missions undertaken by PSI and other global labour organisations are yet to result in meaningful progress. In the meantime, union organising remains constrained and trade union leaders have faced mounting pressure, with some reportedly forced into exile. 

Participants also expressed concern about developments in Burundi, where the government has suspended the check-off system used to collect union membership dues. Union representatives warned that the suspension has significantly weakened unions’ ability to organise and represent workers effectively.  

Delegates called for stronger engagement with International Labour Organization (ILO) supervisory mechanisms to ensure that violations of trade union rights receive international scrutiny. 

The discussions reflected both the resilience of the labour movement in Africa and the growing pressure facing trade unions in an increasingly complex political and economic environment. 

Economic pressures and the future of public services 

Union leaders noted that shifting global funding priorities and geopolitical dynamics are increasingly shaping development cooperation and trade union support programmes. Delegates warned that these shifts risk leaving unions in lower-income countries with fewer resources to organise workers and defend labour rights. 

The meeting also raised concerns about renewed pressure to privatise essential public services, particularly in utilities and infrastructure sectors. 

Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to defending quality public services, ensuring it remains accessible, equitable, and publicly accountable. 

Investing in the next generation of union leaders 

Young workers highlighted the rising levels of youth unemployment across the region, warning that the lack of opportunities for young workers is increasingly affecting their engagement in trade union activities. 

Participants noted that very few young workers currently occupy leadership positions within trade unions, and emphasised the importance of establishing structured mentorship programmes to support the next generation of union leaders. The committee encouraged unions to actively identify and mentor young activists to ensure leadership renewal and sustainability within the labour movement. 

When workers stand together across borders, they build the collective power needed to defend public services, protect labour rights, and shape a more just future for all.

Women unions push for stronger gender equality commitments 

The Women’s Committee meeting also adopted several resolutions aimed at strengthening gender equality within trade unions and workplaces. 

The Committee emphasised the importance of unions implementing the Programme of Action on Gender Equality, including advocating the ratification and implementation of international labour standards that promote women’s rights at work.  

The committee also highlighted the importance of mentoring women to take up leadership positions within unions, noting that women’s committees should serve as key platforms for leadership development. 

Participants raised growing concern about online harassment and cyberbullying targeting women who run for leadership positions, particularly young women activists. The committee called on unions to develop mechanisms to support and protect women leaders facing such challenges. 

The committee further encouraged affiliates to use International Women’s Day on 8 March as a platform to promote gender equality, raise awareness about the disproportionate burden of care work undertaken by women, and celebrate women leaders in public service sectors.  

Solidarity with Nigerian health workers 

The meeting also expressed strong solidarity with the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) in Nigeria, recognising the significance of their 84-day strike in defence of health workers’ rights and improved working conditions. 

Union leaders called on the Government of Nigeria to fully implement the return-to-work agreement reached with the unions and to engage constructively with workers’ representatives.  

Building Stronger Unions for the Future 

Leaders reflected on the successful organisation of the 14th Africa and Arab Countries Regional Conference (AFRECON) commending PSI affiliates in Ghana for hosting one of the most successful regional gatherings within the PSI global network. 

Looking ahead, the meeting agreed to establish a committee to further develop the ESA Sub-Regional Strategic Plan, aimed at strengthening the capacity of unions to influence policy at national, regional, and global levels. 

A Renewed Commitment to Solidarity 

As the meeting concluded, union leaders reaffirmed that regional and global solidarity remains the strongest tool for defending workers’ rights and protecting public services. 

In a period marked by economic uncertainty, rising inequality, and growing pressure on public institutions, PSI affiliates across Africa pledged to continue organising workers, strengthening democratic trade unions, and advocating for public services that prioritises people over profit.