Reported by: S. Ernest.
Date: 12th, February, 2025.
Lusaka, Zambia
Zambia has taken center stage in shaping the future of labour administration across Africa as it hosts the 51st African Regional Labour Administration Centre (ARLAC) Governing Council Meeting.
The event, held in Lusaka, convenes regional leaders, labour experts, and policymakers to explore innovative solutions for transitioning Africa’s workforce from informality to structured, formal employment.
Hon. Brenda Mwika Tambatamba, Zambia’s Minister of Labour and Social Security, delivered the official welcome on behalf of the President and people of Zambia.
She underscored the importance of regional collaboration and knowledge-sharing in strengthening labour governance across Africa.
“This gathering presents a unique opportunity to engage, exchange ideas, and forge partnerships that will drive meaningful change. In today’s rapidly evolving labour landscape, cooperation is key to overcoming shared challenges,” she stated.
As a longstanding ARLAC member since 1980, Zambia has played an active role in promoting effective labour policies.
The country has undergone significant labour administration transformations, navigating post-colonial reforms, globalization and economic shifts.
Despite this progress, persistent issues such as high unemployment, informal labour structures, and the need for universal decent work remain pressing concerns.
Minister Tambatamba highlighted the challenges posed by an expanding informal economy, which without structured interventions, results in low productivity, tax evasion, worker exploitation and economic disparities.
She emphasized that ARLAC’s initiatives, particularly this high-level symposium, serve as a crucial platform to address these issues and implement sustainable labour market reforms.
“Zambia remains committed to creating a fair and inclusive work environment where every individual has access to decent wages and safe working conditions. Strengthening our labour institutions through ARLAC is key to achieving this goal,” she affirmed.
Acknowledging ARLAC’s critical role in labour administration, Minister Tambatamba addressed the financial and technical constraints affecting its operations.
She proposed converting the one-time US$2,000 contribution made by member states during ARLAC’s 50th-anniversary celebrations into a permanent annual contribution, ensuring long-term financial stability for the organization.
“For ARLAC to continue delivering on its mandate, sustained financial support from member states is essential. We urge all members to consider this proposal as a strategic investment in the future of African labour governance,” she stated.
As deliberations continue, the New Dawn government hopes this meeting will inspire new policy innovations, deeper collaboration, and a unified approach to labour administration.
Minister Tambatamba encouraged delegates to engage in discussions that will drive policy reforms and strengthen labour governance structures across Africa.
“This is a moment for reflection and forward-thinking. Together, we can build a more equitable and resilient labour market that benefits all workers across the continent,” she concluded.
The resolutions from this meeting will guide ARLAC’s next steps in shaping Africa’s labour policies, ensuring that future reforms reflect the region’s commitment to fair, inclusive, and sustainable work environments.
Ministry of Labour and Social Security Zambia
The Agency