A three-day Normative Capacity-Building Workshop organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO) from 23 to 25 July 2025 at Pamodzi Hotel marked a key development in Zambia’s efforts to improve compliance with international labour standards. The event brought together diverse stakeholders, including officials from major government ministries, employer organizations, worker representatives, and development partners.
Participants represented ministries such as Labour and Social Security; Community Development and Social Services; Small and Medium Enterprises Development; Commerce, Trade and Industry; Finance and National Planning; and Agriculture. The workshop facilitated dialogue and capacity building aimed at aligning Zambia’s labour practices with international standards.
The Assistant Labour Commissioner, Mrs. Emelda Sichone, acknowledged that Zambia faces challenges in fulfilling its reporting obligations to the ILO, particularly under Convention No. 29 on Forced Labour. She highlighted the need for continuous training and inclusive engagement to enhance the accuracy and timeliness of national reporting.
The workshop served as a platform for strengthening institutional understanding of labour standards, encouraging inter-ministerial cooperation, and reinforcing Zambia’s commitment to improving workplace rights and compliance with global labour norms.
