International Labour Organization (ILO) Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo reaffirmed the ILO's partnership with Namibia and the African Union to advance decent work, strengthen social protection systems and promote inclusive economic growth across Africa during a two-day mission to Windhoek.
The visit coincided with the Sixth Ordinary Session of the African Union Specialised Technical Committee on Social Development, Labour and Employment (STC-SDLE-6), where ministers and senior officials discussed ways to invest in, strengthen and expand social protection systems as a foundation for inclusion, resilience and social justice.
Addressing the ministerial session, Houngbo stressed that social protection should be seen as a strategic investment rather than a cost. "Social protection is much more than a social policy. It is an economic policy, an employment policy and a resilience policy," he said.
He also underscored the importance of strengthening national social protection systems to build more resilient societies: "By investing in social protection, Africa is investing in its people. By strengthening social protection systems, Africa is strengthening its resilience."
By investing in social protection, Africa is investing in its people. By strengthening social protection systems, Africa is strengthening its resilience.
Gilbert F. Houngbo, ILO Director-General
During his visit, the Director-General met with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, as well as Minister of Justice and Labour Relations Fillemon Wise Immanuel and Minister of International Relations and Trade Selma Ashipala-Musavyi. Their discussions focused on expanding cooperation to promote decent work, quality job creation for young people, stronger labour institutions, international labour standards, and the extension of social protection.
The programme also included exchanges with representatives of employers' and workers' organizations, reaffirming the central role of social dialogue in advancing sustainable development.
The Director-General also welcomed the strong collaboration between the Government of Namibia, the African Union and the ILO in advancing a shared vision of social justice across the continent.
"As Africa navigates economic transformation, demographic change and the impacts of climate change and digitalization, investing in people through decent work and universal social protection will be essential to building more resilient and inclusive societies," Houngbo said.
© Namibian Presidency
Looking ahead, the Director-General welcomed Namibia's preparations to host the 15th African Regional Meeting of the International Labour Organization, which will take place in Windhoek from 2 to 4 December 2026.
The Regional Meeting will bring together governments, employers' and workers' organizations from across Africa to discuss the future of work on the continent, strengthen regional cooperation and identify practical solutions to accelerate decent work, productive employment and social justice.
"Hosting the African Regional Meeting reflects Namibia's growing leadership on the future of work in Africa," Houngbo said. "I look forward to welcoming the International Labour Organization's tripartite constituents from across the continent to Windhoek later this year as we shape a shared agenda for decent work and social justice in Africa."
