The 7th Africa Social Partners Summit

Social Partners from 39 African Countries Gather to Chart Course for the Future of Work in the continent. The International Labour Organization took part in the event in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania on promotion of social dialogue on employment.

The International Organization of Employers (IOE) and the Association of Tanzania Employers (ATE) hosted the 7th Africa Social Partners’ Summit from 7-8 February 2024 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania at the prestigious Julius Nyerere Convention Centre with the support of the European Union, Business Africa, MeTL Group, NMB bank, and the International Labour Organization. The event was graced by Dr Philip Isidor Mpango, Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania and Minister of State, Prime Minister’s Office Labour, Youth, Employment and People with disability, Prof Joyce Ndalichako, among other dignitaries from the Continent and beyond. 

The Africa Social Partners’ Summit, under the stewardship of employers, serves as a platform which brings together representatives from employers' and business organizations, trade unions, government representatives, youth representatives, international and regional organizations, academics and other key stakeholder to collectively advance effective job creation policies and promote social dialogue on employment across Africa.

At the opening ceremony, ILO Assistant Director and Regional Director for Africa, Ms. Fanfan Rwanyindo Kayirangwa highlighted that ‘’[t]he Summit has played a vital role in bringing together African social partners to share their perspectives and experience on labour market dynamics in Africa’’.

Minister of State, Prime Minister’s Office Labour, Youth, Employment and People with disability, Prof Joyce Ndalichako with the ILO Assistant Director General and Regional Director for Africa Fanfan Rwanyindo and ILO Director Country office Dar Es Salaam Caroline Mugalla and other officials during the Regional Director’s visit in Tanzania

‘’It is in this context that I extend my sincerely gratitude to the International Organization of Employers for the invitation and for continued commitment to the social partners summit [. A]t the ILO we listen to our constituents and acquire additional insights into their priorities and views’’ Ms Rwanyindo Kayirangwa added. She further made a call to action to governments, employers', and workers' organizations to take the lead in the roll out of Global coalition on Social Justice on the continent.

The Summit truly reflects the spirit of social dialogue and tripartism that is an important feature which distinguishes the ILO from other entities in the multilateral system. The principle of social dialogue and tripartism serves as the lifeblood of the ILO, forming the bedrock for all our priorities, actions, and aspirations. It is indisputable that the African Regional Office places significant emphasis on advancing social dialogue and tripartism as pivotal means to foster full, productive, and decent employment throughout Africa.