Shaping Africa's Future: Trade, Jobs, and Economic Resilience Explored

The International Labour Organization (ILO) is hosting a hybrid conference titled Trade and Labour in Uncertain Times – Shaping Africa’s Future in the Global Economy, focusing on Africa’s evolving role in global trade. The event will examine how geopolitical shifts, sustainability requirements, and changing regulatory frameworks are reshaping global value chains, creating both opportunities and risks for the continent. With Africa’s rapid demographic growth and expanding regional integration, the conference aims to explore trade and investment strategies that promote decent work, resilience, and inclusive economic growth. The conference will bring together African governments, institutions, employers’ and workers’ organizations, and development partners to exchange ideas and good practices on leveraging trade for sustainable development. Speakers will discuss the integration of labour provisions in bilateral, EU-Africa, and continental trade agreements, as well as the effects of unilateral trade-related instruments such as due diligence requirements, import bans, and sustainability standards. Discussions will draw on lessons from recent consultations in five African countries under the ILO IMPLEMENT project, funded by the Government of Flanders, and forming part of the broader INTEGRATE research programme supported by the European Union and the Government of Flanders. The seminar will also provide opportunities for networking, with a lunch offered to participants, and will feature interactive sessions aimed at fostering dialogue on trade, labour, and sustainable development. Participants are invited to register by 20 February to join the conference and engage in shaping policies that align Africa’s trade growth with decent work and long-term sustainable economic objectives.