Distinguished Ministers,

Honourable Deputy Ministers,

Dear Delegates,

Representatives of Platform Companies,

Director of the ILO,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is with great honour that I deliver these closing remarks as we bring our High-Level Bilateral Dialogue to a close. Over the past two days, we have engaged in constructive and forward-looking discussions on the platform economy and the profound transformation it is unleashing across Africa's labour markets. Like a powerful tidal wave, the platform economy is reshaping the landscape of work—bringing with it both immense opportunity and urgent questions about how we navigate its force with wisdom, foresight and fairness.

This gathering was convened to deepen our shared understanding and to forge a pragmatic, distinctly African position ahead of the 114th International Labour Conference in Geneva next month. Our deliberations have been rich and inclusive, reflecting the diverse perspectives of ARLAC Ministers. We have seen clearly that while our contexts differ, our commitment to unity of purpose remains unshaken.

We recognise that flexibility in ILO instruments is essential, not as a concession, but as a practical recognition of Africa's developmental realities, varied digital infrastructures, and large informal economies. However, let me be emphatic: flexibility does not mean non-security. The protection of platform workers remains a non-negotiable anchor of our position. Each Member State retains sovereign jurisdiction to determine its own path, but the path must always lead toward dignity, fairness and basic security for every worker.

We greatly valued the engagement with platform companies and technical experts, which illuminated the vast opportunities digital platforms present for Africa particularly in tackling unemployment, reducing poverty and addressing deep-seated inequalities. By enabling greater participation of youth and women in economic activity, the platform economy holds the promise of inclusive growth and decent work, if guided by principled governance.

As we prepare for the decisive discussions at the ILC, I believe this Dialogue has sharpened our resolve to champion a principles-based approach in the draft Convention and Recommendation. We welcome the pragmatic flexibility embedded in the Blue Report including streamlined provisions that respect the primacy of Member States in determining appropriate measures for national implementation. This orientation is not a retreat from protection; it is a strategic alignment with Africa's complex reality, ensuring that security is not sacrificed on the altar of flexibility.

Fellow Ministers and Delegates,

The platform economy is indeed a tidal wave, but we have the power to shape its direction. With wise governance, we can ensure that millions of African workers not only ride this wave but do so with dignity, stability and hope. Let us choose protection without paralysis, flexibility without fragility, and progress without exclusion.

It must be clear that this Dialogue was a meaningful opportunity to engage directly with employers, business and platform companies as key social partners in shaping the future of work. The robust and candid exchanges reaffirmed the importance of social dialogue and collaboration in developing balanced, practical and worker-centred approaches to the platform economy. Equally, the same platform for engagement and meaningful dialogue must continue to be afforded to workers themselves, whose voices remain central to shaping fair and inclusive labour outcomes in the digital economy ahead of meeting in Geneva.

In closing, I extend my deepest gratitude to the ARLAC Secretariat, under the exceptional leadership of Executive Director Mr. Retselisitsoe Khetsi, for the flawless organisation of this Dialogue. I also thank our ILO colleagues for their invaluable technical support. Above all, I thank each of you Ministers, technical experts and employer representatives for your active participation, candid exchanges and unwavering commitment.

As we depart from Johannesburg, let us carry forward a renewed sense of purpose and unity. Let us shape Africa's contribution to global labour standards in the digital era not as passive witnesses to change, but as architects of a just future.

I wish you all a safe journey back to your beautiful countries.

God bless Africa.

I thank you.

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