UNI Africa 6th Regional Conference to unite 200 trade union leaders in Maputo

More than 200 trade union leaders representing UNI Global Union affiliates from across Africa will gather in Maputo, Mozambique, from 25 to 27 June 2025 for the 6th UNI Africa Regional Conference under the theme “Consolidate Working Class Power”.

As Mozambique celebrates 50 years of independence from colonial rule on 25 June, the conference will be a key moment for UNI Africa trade unions to strengthen strategies to increase union density, strengthen collective bargaining and hold multinational companies accountable. As a young, African workforce faces technological upheaval and economic injustice, the conference will elect new leadership, address urgent challenges and set an agenda for action for the next four years.

The main themes of the conference include:

• Building Collective Bargaining Power through Organizing:
  Despite progress, low union density and limited bargaining coverage remain challenges in many parts of the continent. Delegates will share strategies to expand union presence and influence in key sectors.
• Ensuring a Just Transition in the Age of Artificial Intelligence:
  As generative AI reshapes the world of work, UNI Africa will debate how unions can shape digital change to protect jobs, dignity and workers’ rights.
• Advancing Gender Equality and Youth Inclusion:
  With growing momentum from past resolutions, the conference will focus on accelerating ratification and implementation of ILO Convention 190 to eliminate violence and harassment in the world of work and ensure women and young workers are central to union action.
• Responding to Africa’s Debt Crisis:
  Rising debt and austerity threaten economic justice across the continent. UNI Africa will explore how unions can contribute to campaigns for fair and transparent debt management and expose illicit financial flows.

In addition to the 25 to 27 UNI Africa Regional Conference, UNI Africa Youth will be meeting on 21 June and UNI Africa Women will be unite in Maputo on 24 and 25 June.

Keith Jacobs, UNI Africa Regional Secretary, said:
“As Mozambique celebrates 50 years of independence, we are proud to gather trade union leaders from across the continent in Maputo. Organized worker power is essential to building democracy and justice. This conference is a chance to unite, share experiences and develop strong, collective strategies to confront some of the key challenges facing workers in Africa today.”