Latest news with #African-led
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
World Cup host Saudi Arabia targeted by African-led unions' complaint to UN-backed labor body
GENEVA (AP) — A group of African-led trade unions urged the U.N.-backed International Labor Organization on Wednesday to create its highest-level inquiry into Saudi Arabia, citing alleged abuses of migrant workers in the 2034 World Cup host nation. On the same day in Geneva, the ILO signed a renewed working agreement with the kingdom's government. 'It reflects a shared commitment to advancing labor policies that are aligned with international standards and national priorities,' said ILO director general Gilbert Houngbo, the former prime minister of Togo. A different view was suggested by trade unions in 36 countries — including Ghana, Nigeria and Senegal — who filed a formal complaint with the ILO asking for a 'Commission of Inquiry.' It alleged evidence of forced labor, wage theft, physical and sexual abuse and systemic racism targeting African workers, and continued Saudi use of the kafala system tying them to employers especially in construction and domestic work. 'Workers are being treated as disposable in Saudi Arabia. They leave alive and return in coffins,' said Joel Odigie, general secretary of the Africa chapter of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC). 'The ILO must act.' A previous complaint filed by the Building and Wood Workers' International union one year ago is being investigated by the ILO, which unites governments, workers and employers to set labor standards and promote decent work. Vision for Saudi Arabia's future Saudi Arabia has started a massive construction program as part of the Vision 2030 plan directed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to modernize its society and economy beyond dependence on oil. Sport is key to the program and the biggest Saudi win has been getting picked by FIFA to host the men's World Cup in 2034. Most of the 15 planned stadiums must be built or renovated for the 104-game tournament, and some have extravagant designs. Concerns about Saudi Arabia's treatment of migrant workers echo the intense scrutiny on neighboring Qatar before it hosted the 2022 World Cup. That decision in 2010 led to the current FIFA leadership insisting on human rights assessments of future World Cup bidders. Saudi government officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Wednesday. A Saudi promise to FIFA last year included 'equitable wages and decent working and living conditions for all individuals involved in World Cup preparations.' The Saudi bid accepted then only to work with the ILO and seemed to rule out partnerships with international unions, NGOs and independent rights advisors. Union frustration Saudi Arabia 'has shown no real intention to address the situation,' the ITUC said Wednesday, despite its top official engaging with the kingdom's government. 'This (kafala) system strips workers of their freedom and dignity, silences complaints and grants employers near-total control over their lives,' the ITUC added. Still, the ILO's Houngbo said the updated Saudi working accord would 'expand protections for vulnerable workers.' 'Our renewed partnership with the ILO underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to a fair, inclusive and future-ready labor market,' government minister Ahmed Al Rajhi said after signing the deal in Geneva. It also includes sending young Saudi professionals on international development work through the ILO and posting three government officials to the labor body's headquarters in the Swiss city. Speaking with reporters last week, Houngbo said the ILO also is working to create an occupational health and safety center in the Saudi capital Riyadh. 'I am not too much worried on (Saudi issues) in 2025,' the ILO leader said in Geneva last week, noting 2030 was the deadline for much of what the kingdom wants to achieve. ___ AP soccer:
Fox Sports
7 hours ago
- Business
- Fox Sports
World Cup host Saudi Arabia targeted by African-led unions' complaint to UN-backed labor body
Associated Press GENEVA (AP) — A group of African-led trade unions urged the U.N.-backed International Labor Organization on Wednesday to create its highest-level inquiry into Saudi Arabia, citing alleged abuses of migrant workers in the 2034 World Cup host nation. On the same day in Geneva, the ILO signed a renewed working agreement with the kingdom's government. 'It reflects a shared commitment to advancing labor policies that are aligned with international standards and national priorities,' said ILO director general Gilbert Houngbo, the former prime minister of Togo. A different view was suggested by trade unions in 36 countries — including Ghana, Nigeria and Senegal — who filed a formal complaint with the ILO asking for a 'Commission of Inquiry.' It alleged evidence of forced labor, wage theft, physical and sexual abuse and systemic racism targeting African workers, and continued Saudi use of the kafala system tying them to employers especially in construction and domestic work. 'Workers are being treated as disposable in Saudi Arabia. They leave alive and return in coffins,' said Joel Odigie, general secretary of the Africa chapter of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC). 'The ILO must act.' A previous complaint filed by the Building and Wood Workers' International union one year ago is being investigated by the ILO, which unites governments, workers and employers to set labor standards and promote decent work. Vision for Saudi Arabia's future Saudi Arabia has started a massive construction program as part of the Vision 2030 plan directed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to modernize its society and economy beyond dependence on oil. Sport is key to the program and the biggest Saudi win has been getting picked by FIFA to host the men's World Cup in 2034. Most of the 15 planned stadiums must be built or renovated for the 104-game tournament, and some have extravagant designs. Concerns about Saudi Arabia's treatment of migrant workers echo the intense scrutiny on neighboring Qatar before it hosted the 2022 World Cup. That decision in 2010 led to the current FIFA leadership insisting on human rights assessments of future World Cup bidders. Saudi government officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Wednesday. A Saudi promise to FIFA last year included 'equitable wages and decent working and living conditions for all individuals involved in World Cup preparations.' The Saudi bid accepted then only to work with the ILO and seemed to rule out partnerships with international unions, NGOs and independent rights advisors. Union frustration Saudi Arabia 'has shown no real intention to address the situation,' the ITUC said Wednesday, despite its top official engaging with the kingdom's government. 'This (kafala) system strips workers of their freedom and dignity, silences complaints and grants employers near-total control over their lives,' the ITUC added. Still, the ILO's Houngbo said the updated Saudi working accord would 'expand protections for vulnerable workers.' 'Our renewed partnership with the ILO underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to a fair, inclusive and future-ready labor market,' government minister Ahmed Al Rajhi said after signing the deal in Geneva. It also includes sending young Saudi professionals on international development work through the ILO and posting three government officials to the labor body's headquarters in the Swiss city. Speaking with reporters last week, Houngbo said the ILO also is working to create an occupational health and safety center in the Saudi capital Riyadh. 'I am not too much worried on (Saudi issues) in 2025,' the ILO leader said in Geneva last week, noting 2030 was the deadline for much of what the kingdom wants to achieve. ___ AP soccer: recommended in this topic
San Francisco Chronicle
7 hours ago
- Business
- San Francisco Chronicle
World Cup host Saudi Arabia targeted by African-led unions' complaint to UN-backed labor body
GENEVA (AP) — A group of African-led trade unions urged the U.N.-backed International Labor Organization on Wednesday to create its highest-level inquiry into Saudi Arabia, citing alleged abuses of migrant workers in the 2034 World Cup host nation. On the same day in Geneva, the ILO signed a renewed working agreement with the kingdom's government. 'It reflects a shared commitment to advancing labor policies that are aligned with international standards and national priorities,' said ILO director general Gilbert Houngbo, the former prime minister of Togo. A different view was suggested by trade unions in 36 countries — including Ghana, Nigeria and Senegal — who filed a formal complaint with the ILO asking for a 'Commission of Inquiry.' It alleged evidence of forced labor, wage theft, physical and sexual abuse and systemic racism targeting African workers, and continued Saudi use of the kafala system tying them to employers especially in construction and domestic work. 'Workers are being treated as disposable in Saudi Arabia. They leave alive and return in coffins,' said Joel Odigie, general secretary of the Africa chapter of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC). 'The ILO must act.' A previous complaint filed by the Building and Wood Workers' International union one year ago is being investigated by the ILO, which unites governments, workers and employers to set labor standards and promote decent work. Vision for Saudi Arabia's future Saudi Arabia has started a massive construction program as part of the Vision 2030 plan directed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to modernize its society and economy beyond dependence on oil. Sport is key to the program and the biggest Saudi win has been getting picked by FIFA to host the men's World Cup in 2034. Most of the 15 planned stadiums must be built or renovated for the 104-game tournament, and some have extravagant designs. Concerns about Saudi Arabia's treatment of migrant workers echo the intense scrutiny on neighboring Qatar before it hosted the 2022 World Cup. That decision in 2010 led to the current FIFA leadership insisting on human rights assessments of future World Cup bidders. Saudi government officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Wednesday. A Saudi promise to FIFA last year included 'equitable wages and decent working and living conditions for all individuals involved in World Cup preparations.' Union frustration Saudi Arabia 'has shown no real intention to address the situation,' the ITUC said Wednesday, despite its top official engaging with the kingdom's government. 'This (kafala) system strips workers of their freedom and dignity, silences complaints and grants employers near-total control over their lives,' the ITUC added. Still, the ILO's Houngbo said the updated Saudi working accord would 'expand protections for vulnerable workers.' 'Our renewed partnership with the ILO underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to a fair, inclusive and future-ready labor market,' government minister Ahmed Al Rajhi said after signing the deal in Geneva. It also includes sending young Saudi professionals on international development work through the ILO and posting three government officials to the labor body's headquarters in the Swiss city. Speaking with reporters last week, Houngbo said the ILO also is working to create an occupational health and safety center in the Saudi capital Riyadh. 'I am not too much worried on (Saudi issues) in 2025,' the ILO leader said in Geneva last week, noting 2030 was the deadline for much of what the kingdom wants to achieve. ___
TimesLIVE
28-05-2025
- Politics
- TimesLIVE
SANDF reaffirms commitment to peacekeeping efforts across the continent
Highlighting the history of peacekeeping and its importance, he said South Africa's involvement in peacekeeping began in earnest in 1994, inspired by the country's founding president Nelson Mandela. In 1999, he said Mandela played a crucial role in peacekeeping efforts during the First Congolese War. Between 2001 and 2006, the SANDF was involved in Burundi's transition to peace, and was also involved in the Central African Republic from 2006 to 2015. Tshabalala said South Africa has also played a key role in Sudan, Lesotho and Mozambique. He said these missions have reinforced the country's legacy as a contributor to peace and security on the continent. 'Our legacy speaks for itself,' said Tshabalala. More recently, from 2021 to 2023, SA participated in the Sadc Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM), countering insurgency in Cabo Delgado. Tshabalala said peacekeeping reflects SA's constitutional values. 'We are a living embodiment of the South African constitution and foreign policy values is human rights, regional integration, solidarity, and African-led solutions for African problems,' he said. He said the impact of these missions has been significant. Tshabalala emphasised that SA remains committed to the conflict mediation process and supporting any effort that ensures human rights and peace for fellow Africans. TimesLIVE
Business Insider
15-05-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Partnering with Africa's boldest businesses: TAG steps into the spotlight
TAG, an independent advisory and investment management firm, is making its presence known as a vital ally for Africa's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and Creatives. Focused on unlocking scalable growth across the continent, TAG works closely with entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem enablers to help African businesses thrive in complex markets. With deep expertise in financial strategy, investment readiness, and sustainable business development, TAG partners with high-potential SMEs & DFIs (Development Finance Institutions) to strengthen their operations, access capital, and scale confidently across borders. Working behind the scenes with emerging and high-impact ventures like The Plug, Azuwa Studios, Peninsular Manufacturing, Challenge Fund for Youth Employment, Ororo Waste Management, among others, TAG brings practical support to African businesses that are solving real problems and scaling with purpose. From the creative economy to agribusiness, tech, and consumer goods, TAG is committed to advancing a new generation of African-led ventures that are not only investment-worthy but also transformative for local economies. This commitment is particularly evident in its work with Africa's growing creative sector, a space where talent abounds but structural barriers persist. 'As advisory partners to Africa's SMEs and creatives, we believe creativity and entrepreneurship are powerful economic drivers,' said Fiyin Ogunlesi, Managing Principal at TAG. 'But too many still face barriers to funding, ownership, and sustainability. Our mission is to close those gaps through practical support, from investment readiness to CFO services and global partnerships, helping our clients turn potential into lasting impact. Recently, we launched our Nigeria-focused Afrobeats economy Report to spotlight the opportunities in the music industry and creative ecosystem as a whole. We are partnering with the next regional champions across verticals, making Africa more global and economically viable, one bold venture at a time. Pictured from left to right: Brenda Fashugba, Regional Director, Creative Economy at the British Council; Arese Ugwu, Founder of Azuwa Studios; Natascha Korvinus, Principal at Proparco; Olisa Adibua, Creative Industry Entrepreneur speaking at TAG's launch in April. The firm's approach is hands-on, providing services such as embedded CFOs, financial structuring, policy engagement, and ecosystem mapping to ensure that African businesses are not just surviving but scaling with strategy.
