The Zambia Congress Of Trade Union (ZCTU) says the development agenda in Africa needs an economic transformation that will address all the economic challenges.
ZCTU president Nkole Chishimba said the unanimous adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by World leaders at the United Nations in September 2015 was historic in delivering a Global Development Agenda.
“This process implied that Africa had to reposition itself in this developmental path and reconfigure development as well as financing modalities that enhance the developmental agenda,” he said.
Mr. Chishimba said different African states have adopted local development policies that are in line with the 2030 agenda.
“These policies face the challenge of financing and therefore it is important to consider alternative financing modalities for Africa`s development,” he stated.
Mr. Chishimba said there is need for Africa to shape its own development path.
“Although the private sector is expected to play a significant role in the development process of Africa, African states need to rise up and take the leading role”, he noted.
Mr. Chishimba further added that it is important to appreciate the African Union (AU) initiative for a Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA).
He said seeing that Zambia is among the countries that have not yet ratified the CFTA, there is need to interrogate the possible fears and opportunities that it may bring with it.
Mr Chishimba said in order to advance the interests of the Trade Union Movement in Africa, there is need for the International Trade Union Confederation to position itself to be able to provide strategic direction for the African Trade Union Movement.
He said that the network`s objective is to bring the Trade Union perspective into the International Development Policy debates and improve the coordination and effectiveness of Trade Union development cooperation activities.