The 51st African Regional Labour Administration Centre (ARLAC) Governing Council Meeting for Ministers Responsible for Labour/ Employment/ Manpower issues in Africa and High-Level Symposium on ‘Innovative approaches to tackling informality and promoting transitions towards formality to promote decent’ has closed in Lusaka, Zambia from 11 to 13 February 2025 with a call for governments to enact inclusive policies to ensure inclusion of innovative approaches and priorities enforcement of decent work standards. The closing ceremony which held at Mulungushi International Conference Centre was graced by Zambia’s Vice-President Mrs. W.K Mutale Nalumango.Addressing the delegates, Vice-President Nalumango urged governments to enact inclusive policies and allocate resources for labour market reforms to ensure inclusion of innovative approaches and priorities enforcement of decent work standards.“Addressing the shared labour market challenges requires a united effort. In response to these challenges, Zambia, as a proud member of ARLAC, is implementing and advocating for the following strategies that can be adapted across the region: simplifying registration processes to encourage formalization,” she said. “Tax rebates and provision of start-up loans for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to help formalize their operations; leveraging digital tools to provide informal workers access to financial services, markets, and regulatory compliance, such as the Government Service Bus (GSB), mobile money services and e-banking.”The Vice-President added that her government was strengthening partnerships between industries and education providers to align curricula with labour market demands and expanding Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes to address emerging skills gaps.She further urged governments to build strong national productivity organisations to catalyze economic transformation initiatives, promote positive attitudes towards work and support enterprise sustainability efforts aimed at achieving economic growth.“We call upon employers to invest in workforce development, adopt fair employment practices, and support transitions to formal employment; workers’ organisations to champion the voices of vulnerable workers, particularly in the informal sector; as well as development partners and ARLAC to continue providing technical expertise, financial support, and platforms for regional cooperation,” said Vice-President Nalumango.Meanwhile, ILO Assistant Director General and Regional Director for Africa Ms. Fanfan Rwanyindo Kayirangwa urged ARLAC Governing Council to employ innovative approaches in tackling informality in Africa.In a speech read by ILO Country Office Director for Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique Mr. Wellington Chibebe, Ms. Kayirangwa further urged governments to embrace youths and emerging opportunities in technology advancement as they deal with informality in Africa.“Let us to join forces to innovate around addressing particularly informality in Africa. We need to create more and better jobs, embrace the youthful energy of our beautiful continent and the emerging opportunities in technology advancement and in our responses to climate change,” she said. “We must be bold to decide and act, engage in whole of government and whole of society approaches to do better by and for ourselves.”And Zambia’s Minister of Labour and Social Security, Mrs. Brenda Tambtamba asked member States to continue providing financial and technical support to ARLAC, stating that the Harare-based centre was faced with financial and operational constraints.Chairing the High-Level Symposium on ‘Innovative approaches to tackling informality and promoting transitions towards formality to promote decent’ moderated by ILO Country Office Director for Zimbabwe and Namibia- Ms. Philile Masuku and presented by ILO Informal Economy Specialist- Ms. Annamarie Kiaga, Mrs. Tambatamba said ARLAC has contributed greatly towards strengthening labour administration systems on the African continent.“Notwithstanding this solid record of its achievements, ARLAC continues to operate under acute financial and technical constraints. As a contribution to ameliorating the foreseen challenges of our organisation, allow me to suggest, for your consideration in this meeting, that the once-off contribution of USD 2,000 you made towards the celebration of the Golden jubilee of ARLAC be converted into a permanent additional member countries’ contribution towards the reinforcement of our efforts to enhance ARLAC’s capacity to deliver on its mandate,” she said.The meeting drew participation from Zambia’s Minister of Labour and Social Security, Mrs. Brenda Tambatamba, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, who is also ARLAC chairperson Mr Edgar Moyo, Retired Major General Pius Mokgware, Minister of Labour and Home Affairs for Botswana, as well as Lesotho’s Minister of Employment and Labour Tseliso Makhosi.Others were; South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour, Judity Nemadzinga Tshabalala, ILO Decent Work Team (DWT) Director for Eastern and Southern Africa-  Mr. Alexio Musindo, ILO Country Office Director for Zimbabwe and Namibia-  Ms. Philile Masuku, ILO Informal Economy Specialist-  Ms. Annamarie Kiaga; South Africa High Commissioner to Zambia-  His Excellency Saad Cachalia, Zimbabwe Ambassador to Zambia- Her Excellency Charity Charamba, Zambia’s, Permanent Secretaries of Labour, Principal Secretaries of Labour, Employers and Workers’ organisations representatives, Chief Executive Officers from various private and parastatal organizations, as well as the academia., filtered_html

The 51st African Regional Labour Administration Centre (ARLAC) Governing Council Meeting for Ministers Responsible for Labour/ Employment/ Manpower issues in Africa and High-Level Symposium on ‘Innovative approaches to tackling informality and promoting transitions towards formality to promote decent’ has opened in Lusaka, Zambia with a call for all member States to embrace change on the labour market.  The gathering was preceded by the 25th Meeting of the Committee of Senior officials responsible for Labour/ Employment/ Manpower chaired by Zimbabwe’s Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Mr Edgar Moyo.Over 18 member States are meeting in Lusaka, Zambia from 11 to 14 February 2025 to deliberate on innovative approaches to tackling informality and promoting transitions towards formality to promote decent. The ministerial high-level symposium on innovative approaches to tackling informality and promoting transitions towards formality to promote decent will be delivered by Zambia’s Minister of Labour and Social Security, Mrs Brenda Tambatamba.Welcoming the delegates, Zambia’s Ministry of Labour and Social Security- Permanent Secretary, Mr Zechariah Luhanga expressed gratitude to President Hakainde Hichilema for allowing the ministry to host the governing council meeting.Mr Luhanga urged the delegates to take advantage of the meeting to visit some of the tourism and heritage sites in the country. ARLAC is a regional intergovernmental organization with a mandate to strengthen the labour administration systems in member countries through training, research, consultancy, advisory services and publications.ARLAC’s membership was previously drawn from English-speaking African Countries that ratified the ARLAC agreement. The Constitution of ARLAC opens membership to all African countries. , filtered_html

On 28 December 2024, the United Nations Information Centre in Lusaka conducted an outreach activity at Yasheni Homes in Lusaka's Chainda township to help raise awareness about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A total of 25 youth attended the session which was conducted by Charles Nonde, Public Information Assistant at the UN Information Centre Lusaka, who began by introducing the 17 SDGs. The Scouts learned about the global goals designed to address pressing issues such as poverty, hunger, education, and climate change. Each goal was presented with real-life examples, making the concepts relatable and inspiring.The highlight of the outreach was a discussion on how the Rover Scouts could contribute to achieving these goals by 2030. Charles emphasized the unique role that youth can play in driving change, highlighting their energy, creativity, and ability to mobilize their peers.The Scouts identified challenges in their communities aligned with specific SDGs and how they could mitigate the effects. “The community in which I live, has suffered a lot from deforestation, and I worry a lot about the state of the environment”, Peter a grade 10 at a public school in the Chainda community.The room buzzed with excitement as ideas flowed freely. One group proposed organizing clean-up campaigns to tackle plastic pollution, aligning with Goal 14 (Life Below Water). Another group suggested starting a community garden to promote sustainable agriculture and combat hunger, supporting Goal 2 (Zero Hunger).To bring their ideas to life, the Scouts were introduced to various resources and tools. They learned about local NGOs they could partner with, online platforms for further education, and ways to engage their community through social media and community interactions. The facilitator also shared success stories of other youth-led initiatives, reinforcing the message that they, too, could make a significant impact.Following the outreach, the Rover Scouts are ready to embark on awareness-raising activities in surrounding communities to help educate fellow youth and inspire them to act in support of the SDGs.The story of the Rover Scouts of Yasheni Homes and Multipurpose Cooperative is a testament to the power of education and youth engagement. By equipping young people with knowledge and resources, we can inspire them to take action and contribute to the global effort to achieve the SDGs. Their journey is a beacon of hope, showing that with determination and collaboration, a better world is within reach. About Yasheni Homes and Multipurpose Cooperative It is an organization based in Lusaka, Zambia. It was established in October 2001 and commenced operations in March 2002, it focuses on community development and education. The organization runs the Yasheni Community School in Chainda, providing educational opportunities and support to local children particularly those coming from difficult backgrounds., filtered_html

In efforts to raise awareness about human rights and the importance of members of the public understanding the fundamental principles that protect their dignity, freedom, and equality, the United Nations (UN) System in Zambia through the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the UN Information Centre in partnership with the Zambia Human Rights Commission and ActionAid – Global Platform Zambia organized a vibrant community engagement event in Chongwe district  under the theme, “Our rights, Our future, right now.”
The event was a colorful and dynamic celebration, featuring poetry, drama, and songs. These artistic expressions were not just for entertainment; they carried powerful messages about the realization of human rights and the collective responsibility to respect and protect them. The performances were a testament to the community's creativity and commitment to human rights advocacy.
Speaking via a recorded message, OHCHR Under Secretary General Volker Türk, highlighted the global significance of human rights and the role of local communities in championing these rights. He said human rights ensure that every individual is treated with respect and dignity, regardless of race, gender, religion, or social status 
ActionAid – Global Platform Zambia Business Development Manager, Geoffrey Sizala emphasized that understanding one’s rights allows individuals to stand up against abuse, exploitation, and oppression.
Meanwhile, Zambia Human Rights Commission, Investigations Officer Charity Lange cautioned members of the community to be vigilant, noting that a society that respects human rights supports the rule of law, fairness, and accountability. Giving solidarity remarks, Swedish Ambassador to Zambia, Johan Hallenborg, reaffirmed the international community's support for Zambia's human rights efforts, as human rights reduce inequalities and conflicts by fostering mutual respect and understanding.
The audience was a diverse mix of community members and representatives from various organizations which included the Chongwe Network for Persons with Disabilities, the Youth Adolescents Group, the Young Women Group, and representatives from the National Assembly, The Transparency Action Group, Market Cooperative, Royal Establishment, and the District Commissioner's Office were also well-represented, reflecting the broad support for human rights across different sectors of society.
The Human Rights Day celebration in Chongwe was more than just an event; it was a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved when a community comes together with a common purpose. It highlighted the strength and resilience of the people of Chongwe and their unwavering dedication to building a future where human rights are respected and upheld for all.Human Rights Day is annually commemorated on 10 December. Raising awareness about human rights within communities is crucial, these rights, such as the right to life, freedom of speech, and equal treatment, are essential for a just and inclusive society. 
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