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13 August, 2025As the world marked International youth day on 12 August under the United Nations theme “youth empowerment for a sustainable future”, the IndustriALL Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) youth committee called attention to the realities young workers face, and the role they play in shaping a just, sustainable future.
The SSA youth committee, the first regional youth structure established within IndustriALL, brings together twelve representatives from across the region.
“Since its creation, it has been a driving force in youth work, ensuring that young voices are heard in union strategies and global debates,”
said Sarah Flores, industriALL youth officer.
This year’s International youth Dday coincided with preparations for the committee’s regional meeting to be held in Ghana on 1 September, under the theme “embracing technology and innovation at work”. The theme reflects years of engagement by young trade unionists on the impact of new technologies, from Industry 4.0 and platform work to artificial intelligence and on the future of work.
Since the pandemic, IndustriALL has facilitated discussions in most regions on the opportunities and challenges of technological change. Young workers have consistently demanded a seat at the table, recognizing that these changes will shape their working lives for decades to come.
A concrete outcome of this demand is the inclusion of two youth representatives in IndustriALL’s Industry 4.0 expert working group, including Dorca Norupiri from IndustriALL affiliate Zimbabwe Diamond Allied Minerals Workers Union (ZDAMWU), representing the SSA region.
The committee’s International youth day statement highlights urgent issues facing young workers in Sub-Saharan Africa:
- High youth unemployment, with many trapped in informal, insecure work without rights or social protection
- Lack of decent work, with limited access to fair wages, job security and safe conditions
- Climate-induced job losses in sectors such as agriculture, mining and energy
- Exclusion from decision-making in unions and labour institutions
- Gender gaps that hinder equal participation in leadership
“Despite these challenges, young trade unionists in the region are organizing, innovating and pushing for change. They are advocating for safer workplaces, digital access, gender justice, climate-responsive policies and inclusive leadership. Through campaigns for digital skills and active engagement in union decision-making, they are redefining what it means to be a worker in the 21st century,”
said Paule Ndessomin, IndustriALL SSA regional secretary.
As the SSA youth committee prepares to gather in Ghana, their message is clear: investing in youth is essential for building strong, sustainable unions capable of advancing workers’ rights, confronting global capital, and driving sustainable industrial policy.