ITF Africa regional conference ends with commitment to building stronger unions

The ITF Africa regional conference ended in Addis Ababa on Friday 27th September with a commitment to building stronger African unions.

Over one hundred delegates, representing 28 countries all across Africa, came together to discuss and debate the challenges and opportunities facing African transport unions. Topics for discussion included the role of multinationals in Africa’s future transport infrastructure, the evolving role of women and young workers in Africa, and building on the ITF’s HIV/AIDS work.

A common theme to all the discussions was building on the strength of Africa’s transport unions, and the conference identified the region’s two top priorities as organising the unorganised and consolidating ITF membership in the region. National coordinating committees were identified as a key strategic tool to build union strength.

Speaking to the conference on his vision of the future for African unions, ITF acting general secretary Steve Cotton said: “Africa has a strong team, strong and committed representation on the executive board, a consistent approach to moving forward, and a good reputation with education donors. We must now grab the opportunities we have to build a bigger membership – a stronger Africa will make a stronger ITF”.

This year, delegates at conference were able to use the new ITF Africa regional conference website to follow and join in debates.

Visit the ITF Africa regional conference website at www.itfafrica2013.org for more information, photos and films from conference.

The website follows on from the successful ITF Arab World regional conference site, and a website for the ITF Americas conference will be launched shortly.