Africa's transition to clean energy must deliver more than renewable power, with the continent's labour movement demanding decent jobs, fair wages and stronger social protection for workers.
The call was made at the Second New Energy for Africa Convening organised by the International Trade Union Confederation-Africa in Nairobi, Kenya, where trade unions and other stakeholders discussed the continent's energy transition.
ITUC-Africa said Africa's shift towards cleaner energy should become an opportunity for industrialisation, job creation and improved living standards rather than simply a response to climate change.
The organisation noted that more than 600 million Africans still lack access to electricity, making reliable and affordable energy a major development priority.
ITUC-Africa General Secretary Akhator Joel Odigie said workers must be placed at the centre of decisions concerning Africa's energy future.
He argued that industrialisation would have little meaning if ordinary workers could not enjoy basic necessities such as affordable electricity and decent living conditions. The labour movement also called for greater investment in technology, infrastructure, skills and financing to help African countries build stronger domestic industries.
ITUC-Africa warned that Africa could repeat its history of exporting raw materials while importing finished products if its green transition is not deliberately designed around local industrial development.
The organisation particularly highlighted critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, copper, graphite and rare earth elements, which are increasingly important to renewable energy technologies and electric vehicles.
Rather than exporting these resources in raw form, African countries were urged to develop local processing and manufacturing industries that can generate jobs and retain more economic value on the continent.
ITUC-Africa Deputy President Rose Omamo said workers should be involved in shaping energy policies from the beginning rather than being consulted only after major decisions have already been made. She said a just energy transition should guarantee secure employment, fair remuneration, social protection and a voice for workers and affected communities.
The labour body also advocated stronger public participation in the energy sector, arguing that electricity should be treated as an essential service rather than purely as a commercial commodity.
ITUC-Africa said affordable electricity is critical to industrialisation, economic development and the dignity of ordinary citizens.
The organisation also welcomed the global push towards a Just Transition Mechanism but called for practical support for African countries through finance, technology, skills and stronger institutions.
According to the labour movement, Africa has the natural resources, workforce and growing energy demand needed to drive a new phase of industrial development. The challenge is ensuring that the benefits of the green economy reach workers and communities rather than being concentrated among investors and corporations.
ITUC-Africa therefore wants Africa's clean-energy transition to produce tangible improvements in employment, wages, social protection and access to electricity.
The organisation's position comes as countries around the world accelerate investments in renewable energy and seek alternatives to fossil fuels.
For Africa, the transition could provide an opportunity to tackle energy poverty while simultaneously building industries around renewable power and critical minerals.
However, the labour movement insists that the success of the transition should ultimately be measured by its impact on people's lives.
Africa's green future, it argues, must not simply be cleaner but also fairer, more inclusive and capable of creating decent economic opportunities for its growing population.