Globalization and the world of work: An ILO survey of recent development and trade initiatives on Africa

This brief report covers recent international developments that have been mounted to address the worsening economic situation in Africa. As globalization has continued to proceed apace, Africa has become increasingly marginalized. This has been reflected in the diminished economic prospects stemming from declining share to international trade, unsustainable debt burden, falling Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Further, conflicts and civil strife, and impacts of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, malaria and tuberculosis have devastated the workforce. Given, these factors, and despite a rich natural resource base, a large proportion of the African population continues to live in poverty. Available evidence also indicates that many countries in Sub-Saharan African (SSA) will miss the targets of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).