African trade unionists push for stronger youth leadership at Maputo conference

Youth mentoring was underscored as crucial for skill-building. Sara Amghar from UMT Morocco shared her experience with the UNI MENA Mentoring Program: “I have learned to be a good negotiator…it has helped me to be more confident.”

Gender-specific issues were also addressed by young women leaders focusing on sexual harassment prevention and workplace equality. One speaker emphasized training men and women as activists sensitive to women's issues.

Michael Adu (HSWU, Ghana) raised concerns about youth representation: “Why is the youngest continent being led by the eldest of leaders?… We are not the future of the union; we are the agents of now.” Success stories from SASBO in South Africa and ASSIBIFI in Nigeria were shared as examples of youth shaping union policy.

Mamadou Ibrahima Ndiaye from SYTS in Senegal remarked on youth's potential impact: “When you give youth a chair at the table, they will build the house for your whole nation.” The climate crisis was another significant topic; Fatou Mourath Ndao (SNTPT, Senegal) stressed its importance: “Climate must be our priority.”

The conference concluded with a five-point action plan aiming to leverage demographic advantages for union strength by embedding youth leadership within UNI Africa’s agenda. Sister Crisnalda Nhaumcale from SINECOSSE in Mozambique was elected as UNI Africa Youth President. Vice-Presidents elected included Sister Kwanele Ngubane from SASBO in South Africa and Brother Hisham Moumen from UMT in Morocco.

Lebogang Keabetswe, UNI Africa Youth Coordinator stated: “We must continue building a movement that has the necessary tools and all the protection they need.”