The International Transport Federation and Dockers' unions in Africa have pledged to establish a regional network as part of efforts to take on the challenges posed by privatisation and the globalisation of the industry.

Dockers' unions representing 12 sub-Saharan African countries - including Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, and Tanzania - gathered at an ITF ports of convenience campaign skills seminar in Nairobi, Kenya, between 15 and 19 August. There they focused on common problems, including privatisation, casualisation, and the growing impact of global terminal operators in African ports.

The unions gave a rundown of their activities: in South Africa and Namibia unions' campaigning helped stave off proposals to privatise ports; meanwhile in Ghana, unions are attempting to organise in newly licensed stevedoring companies. They also played host to port workers from Sierra Leone, who visited the country to learn from their experiences.

During the course of the seminar, the group set up a regional network of port unions, which will coordinate their input into the development of a ports of convenience campaign. This initiative will be organised jointly by the sub-regional and regional ITF offices and the Dockers Section in London, UK.

Ben Udogwu, ITF African Regional Secretary commented: "This week has focused on some fundamental issues for dockers' unions in the region including the need for unity, leadership and good industrial relations in our ports, which are the gateway to our economic success. Trade unions have a key role in the success of the industry and in development efforts in the region."