Honourable Ministers of ARLAC Member Countries;

Heads of Delegations;

ILO Assistant Director-General and Regional Director for Africa, Ms. Fanfan Rwanyindo Kayirangwa, and ILO Officials;

Director of the Governance and Tripartism Department,

Ms Vera Paquete-Perdigao

Observer Member Countries;

Senior Government Officials;

Executive Director of ARLAC, Mr. Retselisitsoe Khetsi and ARLAC Officials;

Representative of CRADAT;

Invited Guests;

Ladies and Gentlemen.

It is my privilege to welcome you to the 52nd (B) Session of the ARLAC Governing Council.

I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Honourable Ministers present today. Despite the demanding schedule of the International Labour Conference, you have made time to attend to ARLAC business. This demonstrates your unwavering commitment to regional cooperation and to advancing labour governance across Africa.

I also wish to acknowledge the officials of the International Labour Organisation. Your steadfast support for ARLAC is evident not only in your presence here today but also in your willingness to provide space and facilities during the busiest period on your calendar. This partnership continues to strengthen ARLAC's role in promoting decent work and social justice across our region.

High-Level Dialogue on the Platform Economy

I am particularly grateful to the Honourable Ministers who participated in the High-Level Dialogue on the Platform Economy, held from 7 to 8 May in Johannesburg, South Africa. The theme of that dialogue remains highly relevant, as digital platforms continue to reshape employment relationships across Africa.

Building on the symposium convened during the 52nd Governing Council meeting in Sierra Leone, the Johannesburg dialogue helped prepare Africa for informed engagement in the ongoing ILC discussions on platform work.

The issue of platform work is close to my heart. While precise statistics on African platform workers remain elusive due to measurement gaps in national statistical systems, we are all aware of how our economies are structured. If decent work is to become a reality for all, we must anticipate these shifts and respond proactively.

These engagements highlight the importance of ensuring that technological transformation and digital labour platforms are accompanied by labour protection, social dialogue, and inclusive policy responses. As labour administrators, we must continue to position ourselves to meet these emerging realities of work.

ARLAC's Strategic Direction and Programming

Importantly, these developments underscore the need for ARLAC's programming and strategic focus to remain responsive, forward-looking, and relevant to the changing realities of the labour sector.

As labour markets continue to evolve amid technological change, public health challenges, economic uncertainty, and shifting patterns of work, our programmes and institutional priorities must likewise adapt to meet the emerging needs of member countries. This is essential if ARLAC is to continue serving as a credible and effective regional centre for labour administration, research, training, and policy support.

Today's agenda gives us an important opportunity to reflect on the direction of the Centre's programming and strategic priorities. I therefore encourage all delegates to apply their minds fully to this exercise so that, collectively, we can help shape an institution that is fit for purpose, responsive to the needs of our countries, and capable of addressing both current and emerging labour market challenges.

Well-informed and responsive programming will enable ARLAC to strengthen its relevance, improve the quality and impact of its training and research initiatives, enhance regional cooperation, and better support member countries in developing effective labour administration systems and policies. Ultimately, strong programming is central to ensuring that the Centre remains sustainable, impactful, and aligned with the evolving realities of the world of work.

Financial Management and Sustainability

Honourable Ministers, our agenda today is both important and demanding, as we exercise the responsibilities conferred upon this Council by the Constitution of ARLAC.

As we consider the Centre's strategic direction and programming priorities, we must also recognise the close relationship between effective programming and sound financial management. In this regard, we have a duty to consider the Centre's budget, programme and accounts.

This responsibility is critical to the sustainability and effective management of ARLAC's resources, particularly in a global environment marked by geopolitical uncertainty, economic pressures, and recurring public health concerns, including the re-emergence of Ebola and the recent Hantavirus scare.

Prudent financial planning, accountability, and responsible resource allocation are therefore essential to ensuring the Centre's resilience, effectiveness, and long-term relevance.

Membership Contributions and Arrears

Honourable Ministers, the budget issue also draws my attention to a matter that weighs heavily on me in my capacity as Chairperson of this esteemed organisation. It is concerning that some member countries continue to accumulate significant arrears in their annual membership contributions.

While we fully appreciate the economic and fiscal pressures facing many of our countries, the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of ARLAC ultimately depend on the collective commitment and support of its membership.

ARLAC belongs to all of us. Its strength will always reflect the level of commitment we demonstrate as member countries. If we expect external partners and cooperating institutions to maintain confidence in the Centre, we must first demonstrate confidence in and commitment to our own institution. Strong institutions are built not only through vision and leadership, but also through shared responsibility and sustained support from their members.

A Path Towards Self-Reliance

Distinguished colleagues, we are operating in a global environment where organisations and development partners are increasingly tightening financial commitments and reassessing priorities. This reality underscores the importance of strengthening ARLAC's financial sustainability and gradually reducing excessive dependence on external support.

While we may not yet be where we aspire to be, it is important that we begin taking deliberate and practical steps towards greater self-reliance and institutional resilience.

As we deliberate on matters related to membership contributions, I encourage all member countries to approach these discussions in a spirit of solidarity, shared responsibility, and commitment to the Centre's future. The continued growth, credibility, and effectiveness of ARLAC depend on our collective willingness to invest in and sustain the institution for the benefit of the region as a whole.

Conclusion

Honourable Ministers and distinguished delegates, I therefore encourage all of you to participate openly and actively, drawing from the rich experiences and perspectives represented in this room. Through our collective wisdom and cooperation, I am confident that we will make decisions that will continue to position ARLAC as a strong, responsive, and sustainable regional institution.

With these few remarks, I wish us all fruitful deliberations and a successful meeting.

I thank you.

​ 

​​