Decent Work, a pathway to enterprise success and community resilience

After more than 20 years in the construction sector and a retrenchment that forced him to rethink his future, Ignatious Matambo founded Ignatious Construction in 2019 in Harare, Zimbabwe. A class 1 bricklayer by trade, he built his company from the ground up, focusing on general contracting and construction. Like many small business owners, he focused on delivery timelines, client satisfaction, and keeping operations moving, until a recent workshop shifted his view of what truly drives long, term success.

In February 2025, Ignatious attended a training on Decent Work Essentials and Work Productivity hosted by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Corporation (SMEDCO) in Harare. Over five days, he was introduced to the core principles of Decent Work, including occupational safety, workplace cooperation, clear communication on site, and fair and timely wages. “It really opened my eyes,” he reflects. “I learned that decent treatment of workers is not just about kindness, it’s about improving quality and getting more done.”

Following the training, Ignatious began making tangible changes to his business operations. He now ensures that all workers have the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and that wages are paid on time. He has introduced one, year renewable contracts for four employees, the maximum he can offer for now, but it’s a step that signals commitment and transparency.

The workers are happier. They feel that the relationship with me is honest and clear. We all understand that company growth depends on their work and how they feel about it”, says Ignatious.

The results were quick to show.

Our standard of work is improving, he says. The energy is different, when workers feel protected and recognised, they put more into the job.

For Ignatious, Decent Work has shifted how he sees his role, not just as a business owner and contractor, but as an employer responsible for building both structures and livelihoods. He sees the connection between improved labour conditions, stronger business performance, and even more resilient communities. “When my workers thrive, their families and neighbourhoods feel it too. It’s all connected,” he explains. He now promotes these values in his network and recommends the approach to other entrepreneurs.

Ignatious’ story shows that even in challenging environments, small but consistent steps toward Decent Work can make a big difference for workers, for communities, for quality, and for the business as a whole.