By Ennie Kishiki Mutepuka.
The Federation of African Miners and Mineral Wealth (FAMMW), has resolved to advance a united African labor voice to safeguard workers' rights and promote equitable resource governance, benefiting African mining communities.
Addressing delegates at the FAMMW 3rd Executive Council Meeting in Accra, Ghana, Federation President Joseph Chewe emphasized that unity among African mining unions is crucial to confront the global push for Africa's critical minerals, driven by global powers like China and the United States.
Mr. Chewe, who is also President of the Mineworkers Union of Zambia (MUZ), noted that Africa's wealth in critical minerals and rare earth elements has made the continent a focal point of global attention, yet African workers remain vulnerable and disadvantaged.
He emphasized that without unity and solidarity, workers lose bargaining power, while the resources benefit others more than the African worker and the surrounding communities.
He highlighted the risks of flexible labor models, outsourcing, and external control of production systems, which undermine job security, weaken unions, and dilute national sovereignty.
Mr. Chewe urged African Mineworkers unions to reposition strategically and engage proactively in shaping mining policies, ensuring value addition and industrialization on African soil, stating that the federation must address these issues and ensure that when workers in one country face exploitation, unions across Africa respond collectively.
And Mr. Chewe emphasized that the federation prioritizes protecting African miners' dignity, investing in safety, health systems, housing, and community development, while ensuring safety is never compromised for profit.
The 3rd Executive Council Meeting of FAMMW was being held in Accra, Ghana, from March 26-28, 2026, under the theme: "Strengthening Unity and Solidarity among African Unions of Mines to Confront the New Global Order and Attempts to Control Natural Resources and Rare Minerals.”
The continental gathering of the trade union leaders in the African mining sector was officially opened by Ghanaian Minister of Labour, Jobs and Employment, Adul-Rashid Hassan Peupuo, who disclosed that the control of key mineral resources in Ghana has boosted the economy.
Dr. Peupuo called for strengthened regional integration through the African continental free trade area to ensure control of key mineral resources in African countries.
