The COVID-19 crisis has been a hard hit to Africans across the continent. Although, the impact of the pandemic has not been as catastrophic as initially anticipated, the economic and social consequences that ensued from global and national lockdowns have been added to the terrible effects on health and the number of lives lost. The impact of the crisis on jobs and livelihoods have amplified the effects of the pandemic and caused poverty levels to rise across the region.

SDG 8 on decent work and inclusive and sustainable economic growth needs to be at the core of these strategies to ensure that the recovery process benefits all Africans and especially those that have, throughout the years, been left behind. African trade unions will continue in the frontline of this struggle to ensure that we build forward better together for all.