Africa: Unions urge strict compliance with labour standards in IFI-funded infra projects

At a key roundtable discussion in Nairobi, BWI trade union leaders and international representatives highlighted the urgent need for stringent labour and social safeguards in infrastructure projects across Africa. Organised by the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Trade Union Competence Centre (FES TUCC), the meeting included discussions on the roles of bilateral and multilateral development banks in ensuring safe and fair working conditions. Participants included Dr. Baerbel Kofler, Secretary of State from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and representatives from BWI affiliates TAMICO-Tanzania, KBCTFIEU-Kenya, MANWU-Namibia, FES Kenya, ITUC- Africa, AfDB-IRM and KfW. The event was held on 30 May 2024, parallel the Annual General Meetings of the Africa Development Bank (AfDB).

TAMICO General Secretary Paternus Rwechingura underscored the role of trade unions in ensuring safe workplaces in infrastructure projects in Africa. “It is our duty as trade unions to make sure that workers are safe and achieve economic freedom during their lifetime. We must use our power in numbers and achievements to demand respect and ensure adherence the workers’ rights.”

This was echoed by Rose Omamo, Deputy President of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) in Africa. She emphasised the precarious nature of construction work and the necessity for robust occupational health and safety (OHS) standards. “If we are to improve compliance with international standards, we must push for structured coordination, monitoring, and cooperation between trade unions and relevant stakeholders from project inception to conclusion.”

Delegates shared their experiences with projects funded by international financial institutions (IFIs), such as the African Development Bank (AfDB). Many cited challenges with main contractors—often Chinese multinationals—who frequently violate labour laws. The discussions underscored the importance of social safeguards and due diligence requirements that obligate borrowers to uphold labour standards. Despite the existence of these safeguards, widespread non-compliance persists, significantly impacting workers' health and safety.

A consensus emerged on the need for a clear framework to integrate workers' rights from the outset of any project, akin to the German Due Diligence Act. Dr. Baerbel Kofler called on trade unions to showcase their successes to encourage respect for workers' rights. “We must use our power in numbers and achievements to demand respect and ensure adherence to workers' rights,” she said. The meeting stressed the critical role of joint efforts between trade unions, financial institutions, and government bodies in safeguarding labour rights in Africa's expanding infrastructure sector.