Ministry of Labour in Malawi and the ILO host dialogue to discuss strategies to place Jobs at the Centre of the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy III
Government officials, cooperating partners, worker and employer organizations met in Malawi to share ideas on the implementation of the recently adopted National Employment Policy (NELP) with a view to linking it to the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (MGDS III)
18 April 2018
LILONGWE, (ILO News) – The Ministry of Labour in Malawi in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO) on April 18, 2018, held a breakfast meeting at the Bingu International Convention Centre, to discuss ways of operationalizing the NELP and placing employment creation at the centre of development.
The meeting which was chaired by Minister of Labour, Youth and Sports Manpower Development Honourable Francis Kasaila drew participants from the Employers Consultative Association of Malawi (ECAM), the Malawi Congress of Trade Union (MCTU), U.N. agencies, GIZ, The World Bank, Africa Development Bank, European Union, Embassies of the United States of America, Japan, Ireland, German, and Norway, UK Department for International Development (DFID), and various civil society organizations.
Speaking at the meeting, Labour Minister Hon. Francis Kasaila pledged government’s commitment to promoting decent employment.
MCTU Secretary General Mr. Dennis Kalekeni echoed Ms. Torres’ assertions stressing the need for government to put issues of employment creation at the centre of development.
The ILO pledged to provide technical support for the implementation of the NELP in order to ensure decent work for all.
The following practical measures were proposed to facilitate successful implementation of the NELP: establishment and operationalization of the National Employment Committee, advocacy for pro-employment budgeting tools, mainstreaming pro-employment investment approach in the delivery of rural and urban public works, linking skills development with labour market demands, strengthening capacity to include work-based learning in the TVET system and establishing a strategy for recognition of skills gained informally or non- formally, strengthening coordination amongst ministries, revamping and re-launching the Tripartite Labour Advisory Council to strengthen social dialogue on employment issues, and ensuring adequate funding for employment promotion activities.
In 2017, the Government of Malawi approved its NELP. The NELP represents deliberate efforts by government to put together measures that promote employment growth both in terms of quality and quantity, and whether directly or indirectly. The policy provides a framework to promote productive and decent employment in the economy and increased compliance with labour standards by employers, investors and workers. It also aims to unleash the potential for Malawi to move to a development path that is more inclusive, pro-poor and job rich thereby strengthening the link between economic growth and job creation on one hand and poverty reduction on the other hand.
The meeting which was chaired by Minister of Labour, Youth and Sports Manpower Development Honourable Francis Kasaila drew participants from the Employers Consultative Association of Malawi (ECAM), the Malawi Congress of Trade Union (MCTU), U.N. agencies, GIZ, The World Bank, Africa Development Bank, European Union, Embassies of the United States of America, Japan, Ireland, German, and Norway, UK Department for International Development (DFID), and various civil society organizations.
Speaking at the meeting, Labour Minister Hon. Francis Kasaila pledged government’s commitment to promoting decent employment.
“The Employment Policy has been approved, it is now time for action,” declared Hon. Kasaila.And speaking at the same event, UN Resident Coordinator Maria Torres called for inclusive policies and programmes to ensure that no one is left behind.
MCTU Secretary General Mr. Dennis Kalekeni echoed Ms. Torres’ assertions stressing the need for government to put issues of employment creation at the centre of development.
The ILO pledged to provide technical support for the implementation of the NELP in order to ensure decent work for all.
The following practical measures were proposed to facilitate successful implementation of the NELP: establishment and operationalization of the National Employment Committee, advocacy for pro-employment budgeting tools, mainstreaming pro-employment investment approach in the delivery of rural and urban public works, linking skills development with labour market demands, strengthening capacity to include work-based learning in the TVET system and establishing a strategy for recognition of skills gained informally or non- formally, strengthening coordination amongst ministries, revamping and re-launching the Tripartite Labour Advisory Council to strengthen social dialogue on employment issues, and ensuring adequate funding for employment promotion activities.
In 2017, the Government of Malawi approved its NELP. The NELP represents deliberate efforts by government to put together measures that promote employment growth both in terms of quality and quantity, and whether directly or indirectly. The policy provides a framework to promote productive and decent employment in the economy and increased compliance with labour standards by employers, investors and workers. It also aims to unleash the potential for Malawi to move to a development path that is more inclusive, pro-poor and job rich thereby strengthening the link between economic growth and job creation on one hand and poverty reduction on the other hand.