BWI's trade union affiliates in the region of Africa and the Middle East have reaffirmed their commitment to participate in BWI’s 6th World Congress in São Paulo as a united and organised force. This was expressed at their 20th Regional Executive Committee Meeting and Regional Assembly held online on 8-9 September 2026, where regional leaders assessed progress since the 2025 Regional Conference in Nairobi and reviewed preparations for the Congress.

The Regional Assembly was attended by around 68 participants, including BWI President Per-Olof Sjöo, BWI General Secretary Ambet Yuson, BWI Assistant General Secretary Tos Anonuevo, Regional Vice President Stephen Okoro, Vice Chairpersons Phillip Vilakazi and Julius Maina, Regional Women Chairperson Georgina Smedley, Regional Youth Chairperson Shayn Sinnassamy, affiliate leaders, and regional and global staff.

Chaired by Regional Vice President Stephen Okoro, the meetings examined political, economic and organisational realities confronting workers and trade unions. He noted that worsening economic and social pressures, political instability and attacks on trade union rights continue to undermine workers’ freedoms and dignity across the region. This was echoed by Regional Representative Garikanai Shoko, who highlighted severe economic hardship, unemployment, precarious employment and geopolitical conflicts as factors contributing to membership losses. He stressed the need for unions to organise new workers, strengthen retention and build stronger, more resilient organisations.

Despite these challenges, organising campaigns involving funded projects and Chinese multinational companies have expanded, alongside continued efforts to defend migrant workers’ rights. Women and youth leadership has also grown, contributing to more inclusive unions and developing the next generation of leaders.

The meetings emphasised that the region’s future strength depends on unity, solidarity and collective action. Overcoming national and organisational differences will be essential to defending workers’ rights, expanding organising and ensuring a strong voice at BWI’s World Congress. Women and youth must remain central to this vision through intentional investment, leadership development and meaningful representation, not tokenism.

BWI General Secretary Ambet Yuson and President Per-Olof Sjöo commended the Africa and Middle East Region for pioneering new ideas, highlighting the region’s leadership in organising the unorganised, particularly workers employed by multinational companies, including Chinese multinationals, and its efforts to combat precarious employment in global supply chains. They also recognised the region’s achievements in advancing women’s representation, the sports campaign, and the Belt and Road Initiative network, initiatives that have helped place workers’ voices at the centre of wider social, economic and global policy debates.