ILO Directors in Africa Chart Path for Stronger Impact

MALABO, Equatorial Guinea (ILO News) – The Annual Retreat of Country Directors in Africa concluded on 26 February 2025 in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, marking a pivotal moment for strengthening collaboration and strategic planning across the region. The three-day gathering, attended by senior ILO officials, was opened by Alfredo Mitogo Mitogo Ada, Minister of Labour, Employment Promotion and Social Security of Equatorial Guinea, alongside UN Resident Coordinator ad-interim, Betty Wabunoha.

The retreat brought together ILO Directors from across Africa to reflect on challenges, assess progress, and strategize on advancing the Decent Work Agenda on the continent. A central focus was aligning the ILO’s efforts with key global initiatives, including the Global Coalition for Social Justice, the UN’s Pact for the Future, and preparations for the 2025 World Social Summit in Doha.

Opening the retreat, ILO Regional Director for Africa, Fanfan Rwanyindo, emphasized the importance of this gathering amid global uncertainties, economic constraints, and persistent decent work deficits across Africa.

“This retreat comes at a time when the world is experiencing major shifts—economic, social, and political—that directly impact our work in advancing social justice,” Rwanyindo said. “Our mission to promote decent work and social justice is more crucial than ever. As leaders, we must challenge ourselves to innovate, collaborate, and strengthen the impact of our interventions.”

Throughout the retreat, participants explored ways to improve the ILO’s operational efficiency, reinforce accountability and innovation, and ensure that Country Offices are well-positioned to support tripartite constituents; governments, workers, and employers, amid evolving regional and global challenges.

“Over the past year, we have deepened our engagement with countries like Equatorial Guinea, and this retreat is yet another testament to our commitment,” said Claude Yao Kouame, the ILO Country Office Director responsible for Equatorial Guinea. “We are determined to expand our cooperation, support national employment policies, and strengthen mechanisms that will foster sustainable economic growth.”

Discussions also addressed HR, finance, and administration challenges, alongside innovative approaches to resource mobilization and communication strategies. These efforts aim to strengthen ILO’s influence in national and regional policies, particularly in youth employment, social protection, and the evolving impact of artificial intelligence on the world of work.

The meeting also reinforced ILO’s role within the broader UN system, emphasizing deeper engagement in national development frameworks and enhanced cooperation with UN agencies to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

As the retreat concluded, participants left with a clear roadmap to enhance ILO’s impact in Africa, guided by data-driven decision-making, stronger partnerships, and a continued focus on employment creation as a driver of social justice.

“We must embrace innovation, deepen partnerships, and elevate our efforts to create real change,” Rwanyindo urged. “This retreat has reinforced our shared commitment to making ILO’s work in Africa more effective, visible, and transformative.”