The International Labour Organization (ILO) and Malawi have committed to strengthening cooperation on jobs, skills development and social protection following an official visit by ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo.
During the visit, from 1 to 4 August 2026, the Director-General reviewed progress under the partnership with Malawi and met government, employers' and workers' organizations to discuss key labour and development priorities.
Mr. Houngbo commended Malawi for its active role on the ILO Governing Body, the Organization's executive organ, where the country represents both the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Africa Group.
"Malawi is a strategic partner in skills development, the extension of social protection, the Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions, the Workers' Compensation Fund and many other areas where we continue to work together," said Mr. Houngbo. "So it was important for me to come in person to express our appreciation and to discuss the priorities we share."
He also identified youth employment and support for Malawian returnees from South Africa as priorities for continued cooperation.
During a courtesy meeting, Second Vice-President Enock Chihana welcomed the visit and thanked the ILO for its longstanding support to Malawi's labour and development priorities.
"We are happy that the ILO Director-General has visited us. The ILO has assisted us greatly in labour-related matters. We have engaged in meaningful dialogue and hope that this collaboration will continue, especially with the Ministry of Labour, Skills and Innovation," said Mr. Chihana.
Minister of Labour, Skills and Innovation Joel Chigona said the ILO has played a key role in supporting the development and implementation of labour policies and legislation aligned with international labour standards. He noted the Organization's continued support for skills development and the extension of social protection to workers in the informal economy.
"The Director-General's visit presents an opportunity to review our current programmes and explore ways of strengthening our partnership through initiatives such as the Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions and the ILO Global Coalition for Social Justice," said Mr. Chigona.
The Minister also emphasized the need to intensify efforts to eliminate child labour, describing it as one of Malawi's most pressing labour challenges.
The Director-General also met representatives of the Malawi Congress of Trade Unions (MCTU) and the Employers' Consultative Association of Malawi (ECAM), who reaffirmed the importance of continued ILO support for strengthening labour institutions, promoting workers' rights, expanding social protection and creating opportunities for young people.
MCTU President Kelvin Chifunda highlighted the ILO's contribution to strengthening the capacity of trade unions and promoting workers' participation in national development, while ECAM President Annie Chavula welcomed the Organization's support for employer capacity-building and youth internship programmes. She also noted that businesses continue to face challenges, including high production costs, foreign exchange shortages and unreliable energy supply, which affect investment, productivity and employment creation.
The visit reaffirmed the shared commitment of the ILO and its tripartite constituents in Malawi to strengthening labour market institutions, expanding decent work opportunities and promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
