Young people from street vendors’ organisations in Africa present their priorities and manifesto

by Djenabou Sow

“Young people are not just the future of the informal economy; they are its present. It is essential that we organize ourselves, learn from one another, and play an active role in building inclusive and strong unions.”

With these words, Anastasie Chodaton, General Secretary of SYNAVAMAB and member of StreetNet International, set the tone for the regional workshop held in Benin from March 23 to 26, 2026.

Over four days, 32 young people from 18 countries in Eastern and Southern Africa, as well as West and Central Africa, came together with a common goal: to build a stronger and more inclusive trade union movement for workers in the informal economy.

Getting to Know One Another, Building Understanding

From day one, participants were immersed in activities designed to foster solidarity. Through group exercises and open discussions, everyone learned to get to know one another, transcending language, national borders, and personal backgrounds.

Very quickly, one reality became clear: despite their differences, young people face the same challenges—harassment, lack of funding, difficulties accessing information, heavy taxation, and insufficient social protection.

Understanding the system to better position oneself

The second day allowed participants to better understand how StreetNet International operates: its governance, its regional structure, and above all, the role that young people can and must play within it.

It was also at this point that the first ideas for the youth manifesto began to emerge. Discussions focused on a key question: how can we transform lived realities into concrete demands?

Speaking Up and Building Together

The third day was dedicated to impactful communication. Participants learned how to structure their messages, speak with confidence, and advocate for their ideas.

But above all, this day marked a key milestone: the drafting of StreetNet’s African Youth Manifesto.

A collective effort, based on listening, discussion, and writing, which helped translate lived realities into concrete proposals.

“This workshop helped me better understand the importance of collective organization and left me with concrete tools,” said Fatoumata Bah of the CNTG in Guinea.

A manifesto to speak out, but above all to take action

Through this manifesto, young people are making a simple yet powerful statement:
they are not just the future; they are already the present of the informal economy.

In it, they outline their priorities:
• combating harassment
• facilitating access to financing
• reducing the tax burden
• strengthening access to training and legal information
• improving social protection

But beyond the words, this document carries a clear ambition: to bring about change.

Voices that resonate beyond the workshop

Throughout the discussions, several participants expressed their commitment and their vision for the future.

For Yao Jean Claude Konan of FETTEI-CI (Ivory Coast), the stakes are clear: “I would tell my fellow young people in the informal economy that we are a key driver of the economy in our respective countries. We must arm ourselves with courage, organize to defend our interests, and become a true force for change. ”
In the same vein, Mohamadi Damiba of the National Union of Fruit and Vegetable Sellers of Burkina Faso (SYNAVFL) issued a call: “I invite all young people in the informal sector to take an interest in trade unionism for a better future for the informal sector worldwide.”

These statements reflect a shared determination: that of a youth aware of its role and ready to take action.

What’s next?

The workshop concluded with concrete proposals, including the creation of a youth committee within StreetNet International to ensure better representation in decision-making forums.

“My hope is to see concrete changes, especially in terms of social protection,” emphasizes Marc Edagon of CSA Benin.

Participants also had the opportunity to discover Benin through cultural activities, further strengthening the bonds formed over the course of these four days.

A momentum that continues

Beyond the workshop, this initiative is part of a broader movement, supported by several partner organizations, notably FIWON and MUFIS, which have also highlighted the outcomes and prospects arising from this meeting.

What was built in Benin does not end with the conclusion of the workshop.

Ideas have emerged.
Bonds have been forged.
A manifesto has been written.

And above all, a generation of young people left with a conviction: that they have a role to play, starting now, in transforming trade unionism and improving the living conditions of workers in the informal economy.