Amid rising economic hardship across Africa, there is a growing call for the re-nationalization of essential public services.
At a regional meeting in Abuja involving government representatives, Civil Society Organizations, and Labour Unions from Nigeria, Kenya, and Uganda, participants argued that privatization has failed to deliver quality and affordable services to the people.
Convened by the Public Services International (PSI), the Africa Value Chain meeting focused on the critical sectors of Electricity, Water, and Waste Management.
Delegates shared their National experiences, revealing a common thread that privatization, rather than improving service delivery, has deepened inequality and diverted public wealth into private hands.
The goal here is to foster transparency and promote decent work across these essential services.
The gathering also sought to champion equitable access, fair wages, and the provision of quality services to all citizens, regardless of socio-economic status.
In a unified resolution, participants condemned privatization as exploitative and ineffective.
They are now advocating for a return to public ownership and management, emphasizing that only through re-nationalization can basic services be delivered efficiently, equitably, and affordably for the benefit of the broader population.
(Editor: Nkoli Omhoudu)
