In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Comrade Joel Odigie, ITUC-Africa described the move as bold and progressive
Odigie noted that it advances the vision of African integration by removing barriers to the free movement of people.
He said “the policy would strengthen intra-African trade, regional integration, tourism, and economic cooperation, while also supporting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).”
He emphasised that the free flow of goods and services must be matched by the free movement of workers, entrepreneurs, and professionals whose mobility drives skills transfer, innovation, and job creation.
Odigie further noted that “the initiative restores dignity to Africans aspiring to move, work, and live freely within the continent, describing it as an act of decolonisation of borders.”
He reaffirmed ITUC-Africa’s commitment to working with the African Union, governments, and civil society to embed labour mobility and workers’ rights within the AfCFTA framework.
“The time for Africa is now; let’s not waste further time in the quest to unite its people,”he stressed