Staff Reporter
NAMIBIA is preparing to host the 15th African Regional Meeting of the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Windhoek from 2 to 4 December 2026, with discussions expected to focus on labour rights, fair wages, employment challenges and strengthening labour governance across the continent.
The preparations were discussed during a meeting between Namibia’s newly appointed Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Geneva and other international organisations in Switzerland, Ndiitah Nghipondoka-Robiati, and ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 358th Session of the ILO Governing Body and marked the ambassador’s first official engagement with the organisation since assuming her post in Geneva in October 2026.
The discussions also provided an opportunity to reflect on the longstanding partnership between Namibia and the ILO, which dates back to before the country’s independence, and to consider Namibia’s ongoing efforts to uphold international labour standards.
Houngbo reaffirmed the ILO’s continued support for Namibia’s development agenda, particularly in advancing labour and employment objectives.
The 15th African Regional Meeting will bring together political, economic and social representatives from across the region to discuss ways of advancing decent work and addressing challenges affecting African labour markets.
Under the theme of strengthening labour governance in Africa, the meeting will focus on strong institutions, wages, fundamental rights and social dialogue.
Key issues expected to feature include youth unemployment, informal employment, labour migration, working poverty, inequality and the effects of technological and climate-related changes on the world of work.
The meeting will also examine the effectiveness of minimum wage systems, the role of living wages, enforcement of international labour standards and access to labour justice. Discussions are expected to involve governments, employers’ and workers’ organisations, as well as youth representatives.
The ILO says stronger labour institutions and effective social dialogue are essential to ensuring that economic and technological transitions create decent work, protect fundamental rights and reduce poverty and inequality.
Expected outcomes include commitments to strengthen social dialogue, improve wage-setting systems and reinforce labour market institutions in line with international labour standards.
Photo: Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations
