Trade with Justice: Building Fair, Green, and Equitable Futures for Africa
Trade and human rights in Africa are intrinsically linked, with economic activities profoundly impacting individuals and communities. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) promises to boost intra-African trade, driving much-needed economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction. Yet, this potential is threatened by three glaring challenges: inadequate infrastructure, rampant labor exploitation, and severe environmental degradation. Poor transportation networks and unreliable energy access stymie efficient trade, while countless workers endure unfair wages and unsafe working conditions, often subjected to child and forced labor. Furthermore, trade activities are decimating our forests, polluting our land and water, and depleting our precious resources, harming ecosystems and communities.
We must rise to confront these challenges with unwavering determination. It is imperative that we demand effective trade policies that prioritize human rights and environmental protection alongside economic growth. The AfCFTA, International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions, and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights must be championed and rigorously enforced. By relentlessly pushing for improved infrastructure, fighting for the rights and dignity of workers, and advocating for sustainable environmental practices, we can ensure that trade in Africa benefits all people, leading to a more just and sustainable future for our continent.
Through Case studies, Data Sharing and Coalition Building, FIDEP Foundation is leading the:
Rights and Dignity for Workers Campaign: Seeks to protect labor rights by pushing for laws that comply with ILO standards, educating and empowering workers, promoting corporate accountability, and providing legal support to combat exploitation and ensure fair treatment in trade-related industries.
Trade for a Healthy Planet Campaign: Seeks to promote environmentally sustainable trade practices by lobbying for eco-friendly policies, engaging local communities, raising awareness about the environmental impacts of trade, and conducting research to inform policy and public discourse.
Forests and Trade Integrity Campaign: Focus on protecting Ghana's forests and promoting sustainable trade practices by advocating for stricter regulations against illegal logging and deforestation linked to trade, supporting community-led forest conservation initiatives, and ensuring that trade policies incorporate environmental and social safeguards. Engage with local communities, government officials, and international partners to enhance transparency and accountability in forest management and trade practices.
ESG Advisory Group
ON COCOA, OIL PALM
AND MINING
Our capacity-building initiatives are dedicated to participatory tools, methods, and practices that safeguard the livelihoods of communities and protect biodiversity from the impacts of oil and gas exploitation in Africa. Central to our approach are tools like Outcome Mapping, Community-led Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning. We also integrate Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for spatial analysis, Social Network Analysis (SNA) to understand stakeholder dynamics, and Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) to ensure that community voices are at the forefront.
These tools, combined with broad consultations with stakeholders, foster continuous learning, self-reflection, and data-driven decision-making, enhancing our effectiveness in achieving meaningful outcomes and impacts.
We recognize that a lack of transparency is eroding trust in mechanisms like RSPO, EITI, and REDD+ Cocoa. Transparent, reliable, and comprehensive information on the impacts of oil palm, mining, and cocoa, as well as on redress actions, is crucial for assessing community sustainability, evaluating the efficiency of existing measures, and tracking progress.
To address these challenges, we engage in broad consultations and invite you to connect with the ESG Advisory Group on Cocoa, Mining, and Oil Palm. Together, we strive to ensure that actions are not only visible but also effective, inclusive, and accountable.