Raila Odinga, a candidate for the African Union Commission Chairperson position in the 2025 elections and former Prime Minister of Kenya, has called for a restructuring of African economies to address persistent inequality and rising unemployment.
Odinga emphasized the importance of implementing inclusive policies that promote job creation and reduce systemic inequalities across the continent.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 45th Session of the Organisation of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU) Council Meeting in Accra, Odinga warned against an economic system that disproportionately benefits a small elite while leaving the majority, especially the working class, in a cycle of struggle.
Citing an African Development Bank report, which indicated that Africa would account for 11 of the world’s 20 fastest-growing economies this year and remain the second-fastest-growing region after Asia, the former Kenyan Prime Minister called for an economy that is more inclusive and benefits all segments of society.
“Despite the positive trajectory, however, Africa is at a crossroads. Our unemployment rate of 6.3 per cent is unsustainable. The informal sector constitutes 83.1 per cent of the economy, another unsustainable reality. Working poverty – the proportion of the employed population living in poverty despite being employed stands at 29 per cent on the continent.
“Our work is therefore cut out for us. We have to create jobs for those looking for work. We have to begin the business of manufacturing in Africa and create good middle-class jobs. But it is not just about the middle class. We have to restructure our economies to avoid a situation in which a few people at the top do extremely well while ordinary workers struggle at the bottom and see their wages stagnate at unhelpful levels.
“So, we have the challenge of ensuring that as Africa takes a positive economic trajectory, everybody is participating in and benefitting from growth. That means ensuring that everybody who works hard gets paid a decent wage with decent benefits and that employers and investors are given the right environment to get fair returns from their investment,” Raila Odinga said.
Secretary-General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) Ghana, Joshua Ansah, on his part called on African governments to intensify efforts to create decent work environments, ensure fair compensation, and provide robust social protection for workers across the continent.
“As we convene today, we’re reminded of the immense challenges facing African workers. The scourge of poverty, inequality, and exploitation continues to afflict our communities. Climate change, precarious work, and limited access to social protections threaten the very fabric of our societies.
“Yet, we remain resolute in our pursuit of a better future for all. In our quest for social justice, we must focus on decent work and fair wages, ensuring that all workers enjoy safe working conditions, fair compensation, and social protections,” he emphasised.
