We've moved to a new site!

Join us at publicservices.international - for all the latest news, resources and struggles from around the world.

We are no longer updating world-psi.org and it will be progressively phased out: all content will be migrated to the new site and old links will redirect eventually.

  1. Home
  2. Regions
  3. Africa & Arab countries

Africa & Arab countries

Africa and Arab countries form one of the four regions in the PSI structure. Our 153 affiliated organisations in some 43 countries represent a membership of around 1.5 million people here. The regional secretariat is based in Lomé, Togo. Contact our regional offices.

Trade agreements put our right to water at risk

20 March 2019
Access to tap water in unequal between the poor and the rich in Jakarta.

Trade agreements like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) are designed to make it easier for foreign multinational corporations to invest and do business. In doing so, they put the rights of citizens and workers second to profits. Read an Op-Ed by Abdul Somad, president of PSI affiliate Jakarta Water Workers’ Union (SP PDAM Jakarta).

Union voices at Asia RCEP trade talks highlight undermining of workers’ rights

19 March 2019
RCEP CSO National Meeting: At a national meeting of CSOs in conjunction with the 25th round of negotiations for RCEP, Indonesian trade unions raised their concerns about the challenges that RCEP poses to the right to water, workers' rights, and democratic decision-making.

The 25th round of negotiations for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnerships (RCEP) concluded on February 28th in Bali, Indonesia. At a half-day consultation organized by trade negotiators, trade union representatives raised the challenges that RCEP poses to democratic decision-making, the right to water, and workers’ rights.

PCS supports series of strikes over Ealing tax office closure

19 March 2019

As members of UK PSI affiliate Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) working at HM Revenue and Customs walk out of the closure-threatened Ealing office at noon on 20 March, PCS General Secretary Mark Serwotka will join them on the picket line.

Addressing the human rights implications of privatization for women and girls

14 March 2019
This interactive side event to #CSW63, jointly organised by PSI, FEMNET and APWLD and opened by UN Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights, Philip Alston, focused with a human rights-based perspective on the privatization of public services.

In Algeria, women say NO to a fifth term for President Bouteflika

12 March 2019

This year, International Women's Day coincided with historic events in Algeria, which manifested in a series of popular demonstrations across the country against the fifth term re-election of the president Abdelaziz Bouteflika and the suppression of freedom.

Swaziland union demand Equal Pay and Equal Opportunities for women

12 March 2019

In honour of International Women’s Day on 8 March, 50 members from various public sector trade unions and supporting civil society organisations marched through the streets of Manzini. PSI Global Women’s Organising Committee chair, Irene Khumalo, was in attendance.

There Can Be No Gender Equality Without Quality Public Services

11 March 2019

In an Op-ed published around the world, Rosa Pavanelli, PSI General Secretary, writes about gender responsive quality public services and how women and girls are also the most impacted when countries offer poor basic facilities. Women´s access to social protection, gender-responsive quality public services and infrastructure is a priority of the international community and the main theme of UNCSW63, in which PSI is participating as part of the global union delegation.

A Financial Transactions Tax for the future we want

09 July 2012
Robin Hood Tax logo

Rio de Janeiro – 22 June 2012:

The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, known as RIO+20, has taken place at a critical moment. The G20, meeting almost simultaneously, has not shown enough collective will by the world’s major economies to resolve the economic and financial turmoil we face. Member states of the European Union are facing a crucial test of their leadership in overcoming the financial and debt crisis. They are being called to choose whether or not to adopt a FTT for human and sustainable development. A positive answer could lead to a fairer and more sustainable future for the EU and contribute to sustainable human development worldwide.

Send your protest against arrests in Turkey

02 July 2012
Image of riot police

The harassment and intimidation of trade unionists in Turkey continues: in the early morning hours on June 25, the Turkish police raided offices and houses of trade unionists in Turkey. 71 were detained, and eight of these are still under arrest, including the President of PSI-affiliated KESK, Lami Özgen.

Algeria: judicial workers on hunger strike

06 June 2012

In protest against repeated human and trade union rights violations, nine union members, five women and four men, began an unlimited hunger strike on 6 May in Algiers, Algeria. Despite urgent requests for meetings, and daily reports on the hunger strikers' rapidly deteriorating health, the government continues to refuse to address the judicial workers’ issues.
PSI has already written to President Bouteflika and is now calling on its affiliates to take similar solidarity action, urging the Algerian government to start negotiations and to open the social dialogue that could resolve the ongoing crisis.

Some signs of change in Botswana - but yet to see the results

17 April 2012
Trade unionists in Botswana

Earlier this year the government of Botswana categorically stated that there will be no collective bargaining for the period 2012/2013 for financial reasons. Now the government has withdrawn the letter.

Implementing the Right to Water in the green economy

21 March 2012
Demonstration at the alternative water forum

Water Justice activists, including PSI unions, have successfully pushed the human right to water and sanitation (RTW) onto the global agenda. The UN General Assembly Resolution 64/292 of 2010 has set the standard for government obligations in ensuring universal access. Many national campaigns insist that governments adopt RTW and implement universal access to water and sanitation. Unions are working with a broad range of allies at global, regional, national and local levels.

Apply a financial transaction tax to heal global inequities

12 October 2011

Public Services International affiliate healthcare members from Europe and elsewhere are invited to join the delegation for a special event now scheduled for 3 November at the G20 Summit in Cannes, France. This action to promote a financial transaction tax to world leaders is led by PSI, our affiliate National Nurses United, the International Trade Union Confederation and civil society partners.

Badges: My health is not for sale

12 December 2016

The badges "MY HEALTH IS NOT FOR SALE #PublicHealth4All" are available for download in English and Spanish (jpg format).

Posters: A better future with public health for all

12 December 2016

The posters "A better future with public health for all" are available for download in English, French and Spanish.

Manifesto for Zero Fees in the Recruitment Process

09 December 2016
Join the PSI campaign to abolish the practice of charging of recruitment fees on migrant workers. Sign on to the Manifesto and use it to shift policy and practice towards fair and ethical recruitment. #NoRecruitmentFees.

Checkmate to corruption: Making the case for a wide-ranging initiative on whistleblower protection

09 December 2016

On International Anti-corruption Day, PSI is launching a new report: Checkmate to corruption: Making the case for a wide-ranging initiative on whistleblower protection – which contributes to the debate and provides arguments, evidence, and examples on how a robust protection for whistleblowers with the active support of trade unions is a major – if not the most important – tool to fight corruption.

Report on the follow-up and implementation of the multi-sectoral guidelines to tackle work-related third-party violence

28 November 2016

On 16 July 2010, EPSU, UNI EUROPA, ETUCE, HOSPEEM, CEMR, EFEE, EUROCOMMERCE, COESS, representing the social partners of the commerce, private security, local governments, education and hospital sectors reached an agreement on multi-sectoral guidelines aimed to tackle third-party violence and harassment at work.

Posters: Int'l Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

17 November 2016

Trade unions are struggling to end violence at the workplace and in society. In all countries, we need a strong commitment from governments to address the deeply rooted causes of violence against women: inequality and discrimination. Download PSI's posters for International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

Ten key points for Fair Cities and an inclusive New Urban Agenda

16 November 2016

The 10 key points on the following pages represent PSI’s priorities for a New Urban Agenda encompassing decent work for city workers – including public workers - universal access and adequate public investment in essential public services, such as water and sanitation, energy, health care, transportation, education, social housing, public space etc.

PSI supports the release of ICRICT's second declaration

16 November 2016

"Four Ways to Tackle International Tax Competition" was launched on 15 November in Brussels by the Independent Commission for the Reform of International Corporate Taxation (ICRICT).

Lagos Water crisis: Alternative roadmap for public water sector

14 November 2016

The Our Water, Our Right coalition has released a new report entitled Lagos Water crisis: Alternative roadmap for public water sector promoting a solution to the critical situation of access to water in Lagos.

Policy brief EB-148 : PSI Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) Intervention Strategy

06 October 2016

This policy brief on the PSI Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) Intervention Strategy was produced for the PSI Executive Board EB-148 held at the ILO in Geneva (Switzerland) on 19-20 May 2016. Its objective is to inform EB-148 of related work and activities. The brief is available in English, French, Spanish, German, Swedish and Japanese.

Policy brief EB-148 : Trade Union Development Projects (UD)

06 October 2016

This policy brief on Trade Union Development Projects (UD) was produced for the PSI Executive Board EB-148 held at the ILO in Geneva (Switzerland) on 19-20 May 2016. Its objective is to inform EB-148 of activities in PSI trade union development project work during 2015. The brief is available in English, French, Spanish, German, Swedish and Japanese.

Policy brief EB-148 : Migration

06 October 2016

This policy brief on Migration was produced for the PSI Executive Board EB-148 held at the ILO in Geneva (Switzerland) on 19-20 May 2016. Its objective is to provide EB-148 with an overview of the current global humanitarian crisis. The brief is available in English, French, Spanish, German, Swedish and Japanese.

Policy brief EB-148 : Multinational Enterprises (MNEs)

04 October 2016

This policy brief on Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) was produced for the PSI Executive Board EB-148 held at the ILO in Geneva (Switzerland) on 19-20 May 2016. Its objective is to inform EB-148 of activities related to MNEs since PSI Steering Committee SC-19 that took place in Geneva (Switzerland) in November 2015. The brief is available in English, French, Spanish, German, Swedish and Japanese.

Policy brief EB-148 : Anti-Corruption

04 October 2016

This policy brief on Anti-Corruption was produced for the PSI Executive Board EB-148 held at the ILO in Geneva (Switzerland) on 19-20 May 2016. Its objective is to inform EB-148 of recent activities on anti-corruption and to inform EB-148 of proposed action on the protection of whistleblowers for 2016. The brief is available in English, French, Spanish, German, Swedish and Japanese.

Policy brief EB-148 : Trade

04 October 2016

This policy brief on Trade was produced for the PSI Executive Board EB-148 held at the ILO in Geneva (Switzerland) on 19-20 May 2016. Its objective is to inform EB-148 of activities in trade since EB-147, that took place in Geneva (Switzerland) in May 2015, and to inform EB-148 of proposed action in trade for 2016. The brief is available in English, French, Spanish, German, Swedish and Japanese.

International Summit in Johannesburg to celebrate the International Youth Day

11 August 2016

“The Role of Young Workers in Fighting Precarious Employment and Its Impact in the Public Services”

PrepCom3 on Habitat III

20 July 2016
PSI side event at PrepCom3

On 26 July, during the third session of the Preparatory Committee of the Habitat III Conference, PSI is organising with ICRICT and PSIRU a side event called “Financing and investing in urban public services: The key to inclusive cities”. PrepCom3 will be held in Surabaya, Indonesia, from 25-27 July at the Convention and Exhibition Hall Grand City Convex Surabaya.

Informal Interactive Multi-stakeholder Hearing (preparatory process for UN Summit for Refugees and Migrants)

13 July 2016
Photo: Ben White/ CAFOD - Creative Commons

PSI will be attending the informal interactive multi-stakeholder hearing on 18 July 2016 as part of the lead-up to the UN high-level plenary meeting on addressing large movements of refugees and migrants to be held on 19 September 2016.

UNCTAD 14

11 July 2016
UNCTAD14

The United Nations Committee on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) over many years has provided one of the less neo-liberal forums on trade and development in the UN system. PSI in the past has supported its work and will send a delegation to UNCTAD 14 which is taking place in Nairobi on 17-22 July this year.

ILO Tripartite Technical Meeting on Access of Refugees to the Labour Market

01 July 2016

PSI will be participating in the ILO tripartite technical meeting on the access of refugees and other forcibly displaced persons to the labour market that will be held at the ILO in Geneva from 5-7 July 2016. This meeting comes at a time when the international community is facing an escalation of forced human displacement worldwide.

Forum: No Gender Justice without Tax Justice

15 June 2016

PSI and FES are organising a tax and gender forum in London, 30 June - 1 July 2016 on the theme of “No gender justice without tax justice”.

Tax Justice Forum: How to spread that wealth around

01 June 2016

At a time when inequality is rising and public services are being cut, the Panama Papers have shone a new light on corporate accountability. We are looking for new ways to fund development - tax policy has never been more relevant.

Route of Shame 2016: Walk for social justice!

25 May 2016

PSI and global trade unionists walked for social justice in Geneva. Around the world, populist politicians are raising the flag of racism and xenophobia to hide the fact that they represent the interests of the few, not the many. PSI calls for global solidarity with refugees and the respect of their human rights.

Freedom at Work Conference

24 May 2016

The Freedom at Work Conference, organized in parallel with Europride 2016 in Amsterdam, will take place on 4-5 August 2016. This world conference is to activate trade union members, staff and officials and (potential) allies for the equality of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgenders and intersex (LGBTI) workers.

UNCSW60: Commission on the Status of Women

13 March 2016
Photo: CTF - FCE/Flickr

The sixtieth session of the Commission on the Status of Women will take place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from 14 to 24 March 2016.

IAMREC 2016 (Puerto Rico)

09 March 2016

On March 29th, 30th and 31st, the IAMREC 2016 was held in San Juan, Puerto Rico. See here all the information and documents related to the meeting.

2016 Caribbean SUBRAC meeting

15 February 2016

The Caribbean Sub-regional Advisory Committee (SUBRAC) meets annually. The SUBRAC is a PSI advisory body comprising representatives from affiliates who “facilitate the consultation process at sub-regional level on policy issues and work programme implementation, and who participate in exchange and dialogue on issues relevant to PSI affiliates.”

2016 Caribbean SUBWOC meeting

15 February 2016
2015 SUBWOC

The Sub-regional Women’s Advisory Committee (SUBWOC) meets on the day preceding the Sub-regional Advisory Committee (SUBRAC) meeting and comprises the women representatives attending that meeting. The chair is Sis Jillian Bartlett, the Caribbean Women’s Titular. The SUBWOC meets annually. In accordance with PSI’s constitution, the number of representatives attending the SUBWOC meeting must be at least 50% of the number of representatives attending the SUBRAC meeting.

Migrants, Refugees and Climate Change: the Trade Union Response

07 December 2015

At a time when racism is growing and negative narratives are growing against refugees and migrants fleeing poverty and oil wars, this 2-hours workshop at the Climate Generation Areas of Paris COP 21 organised by PSI affiliate the Public and Commercial Services Union (UK), combined a panel discussion and a debate with the audience.

Climate Change: COP21

02 December 2015

The biggest climate conference ever has opened in Paris under extremely tight security. The terror attacks of 13 November caused the French government to cancel the massive people’s demonstration on 29 November and have significantly altered the focus of the climate conference, as security issues permeate.

Audio: A RadioLabour interview with Rosa Pavanelli on World Public Services Day

23 June 2014

Monday June 23: World Public Services Day. All around the world governments are attacking public services and the workers who help supply them. As well, a number of international trade agreements are jeopardizing the right of governments to provide public services instead of corporations.

Video: Nigerian public services union demands right to health in new constitution

03 June 2014

Watch this interview with Ayuba Wabba, President of the PSI-affiliated Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN). Brother Wabba has been selected to join a constitutional review committee considering health-related rights for the drafting of Nigeria's new constitution.

Video: Liberian Government denies compensation to health workers who die from Ebola while saving lives

03 June 2014

Watch an interview with Paul Tilame of the PSI-affiliated National Private Sector Health Workers Union of Liberia (NPSHWU) talking about the protests at the health ministers summit in Monrovia in April and the deaths of the health workers from Ebola.

Photos: Tax Justice & Anti-Corruption Forum, Argentina, April 2014

23 May 2014
More than 100 members of affiliate unions of Public Services International (PSI) came together from across the Americas for a Tax Justice and Anti-Corruption Forum in Buenos Aires, Argentina in late April 2014.
Source: Flickr

More than 100 members of affiliate unions of Public Services International (PSI) came together from across the Americas for a Tax Justice and Anti-Corruption Forum in Buenos Aires, Argentina in late April 2014.

Video: Abu Kuntolo - AFRECON

13 May 2014

Abu Kuntolo is the General Secretary of the Health Services Workers' Union, Ghana

Video: Donald Gyimah - AFRECON

13 May 2014

Donald Gyimah is the PSI Youth titular representative for East and West Africa. He is a member of the Public Utilities Workers' Union in Ghana.

Video: Ernst Pienaar - AFRECON

13 May 2014

Ernst Pienaar is PSI Executive Board second substitute for Southern Africa. He is a member of NAPWU, Namibia.

Video: Michael Adumatta Nyantakyi - AFRECON

13 May 2014

Michael Adumatta Nyantakyi is Deputy General Secretary of PSI affiliate PUWU in Ghana.

Video: Gades Andumba - AFRECON

13 May 2014

Gades Andumba is a member of PSI affiliate NAPWU in Namibia.

Video: Naomi Otoo - AFRECON

13 May 2014

Naomi Otoo in PSI Women's Committee titular member for East and West Africa. She is a member of the Public Utilities Workers' Union in Ghana.

Video: Peters Adeyemi - welcome to AFRECON

13 May 2014

Peters Adeyemi is PSI Vice-President for Africa and Arab countries. He is General Secretary of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Education and Associated Institutions, Nigeria.

Video: Tom Odege - welcome to AFRECON

13 May 2014

Tom Odege is General Secretary of the Union of Kenya Civil Servants.

Photos: Anti-TISA demonstration in Geneva

06 May 2014
On 28 April 2014, Public Services International, together with Swiss trade unions and civil society organisations, held a demonstration in front of the Australian mission in Geneva. The Australian mission was the venue of the secret negotiations for the TISA (Trade in Services Agreement) which governments are pushing and which will make it easier for big multinational companies to take over vital public services, such as health care and education, which you and your family rely on. For more information see our website: www.world-psi.org/TISA. #StopTISA
Source: Flickr

On 28 April 2014, Public Services International, together with Swiss trade unions and civil society organisations, held a demonstration in front of the Australian mission in Geneva. The Australian mission was the venue of the secret negotiations for the TISA (Trade in Services Agreement) which governments are pushing and which will make it easier for big multinational companies to take over vital public services, such as health care and education, which you and your family rely on. For more information: see our web pages

Audio: RadioLabour report on global day of action TISA

06 May 2014

A report by C. Marie Ainsborough, Senior Labour Reporter with Radio Labour, reports on the preparations for the global day of action on 28th April in protest of the TISA negotiations. See our web page for more information.

Video: Hands off our medecines

09 April 2014

Watch what Medicine Sans Frontier has to say about the TPP