African Organization of Trade Unions in Mines and Metals, Energy, Chemistry, and Related Activities (OASMMECA)
OASMMECA is one of the continent’s most prominent trade union organizations, playing a pivotal role in defending workers’ rights in vital and strategic sectors such as mining, energy, petroleum, chemistry, and related industries across Africa.
1. Founding and Historical Context
OASMMECA was founded on August 2, 1979, in Nairobi, Kenya, under the name “African Mine Union,” following a meeting of ten trade unionists from Algeria, Tunisia, Togo, Niger, Kenya, Congo, Senegal, Zambia, Niger, and Zaire (today the Democratic Republic of Congo).
Its creation came in a context of rising labor movements and the growing influence of unions in post-colonial Africa, as nations sought to strengthen economic and social sovereignty through unified and powerful advocacy tools.
2. Major Conferences
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- Second Congress (1981 – Algiers): held on June 1–2, 1981, at El Aurassi Palace, decided to transfer the headquarters from Nairobi to Algiers, with 45 African countries participating.
- Third Congress (1986 – Cairo): expanded its scope to include energy, petroleum, and chemistry sectors, adopting the current name.
- Fourth & Fifth Congresses – Cairo: focused on strengthening union capacities in response to privatization and structural adjustment programs imposed by international financial institutions.
- Sixth Congress – Morocco: emphasized unity among African unions in the face of foreign exploitation of natural resources and fragile labor conditions.
- Seventh Congress (November 20, 2023 – Algiers): addressed current issues such as energy transition, climate change, and digitization. It stressed the need for a just transition that safeguards workers’ rights and ensures energy and food security in Africa.
3. Mission and Objectives
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- Defend social, economic, and professional rights of workers.
- Strengthen solidarity and union unity across Africa.
- Build capacities through training, awareness, and knowledge exchange.
- Advocate before governments and international institutions.
- Combat exploitation, informal labor, and workplace discrimination.
- Accompany technological and industrial changes to ensure social justice.
4. Partnerships and International Cooperation
OASMMECA partners with:
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- the International Labour Organization (ILO),
- the World Federation of Trade Unions,
- the African Union.
It also works with academic institutions, research centers, and civil society to develop comprehensive strategies that strengthen unionism and contribute to fair and sustainable development.
5. Current Challenges and Future Outlook
Key challenges include:
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- job insecurity in informal sectors,
- occupational risks and lack of safety standards,
- rapid technological transformations without adequate training,
- liberal policies undermining job security and social protection.
Despite these challenges, OASMMECA continues its mission to build a unified, conscious, and active African labor movement, placing workers at the heart of continental development and defending their right to decent work and social justice.
