Zambia Commended by ILO for Strong Commitment to Labour Standards and Social Justice
The International Labour Organization (ILO) has praised Zambia for its unwavering commitment to advancing international labour standards and social justice, highlighting the country’s recent ratification of Convention 190, which aims to eliminate violence and harassment in the world of work.
ILO Country Director for Malawi, Zambia, and Mozambique, Wellington Chibebe, made the commendation during the Normative Capacity-Building Workshop held in Lusaka on July 23, 2025.
He lauded Zambia’s tripartite constituents for their continued dedication to ILO principles and reiterated the organization’s support through technical assistance to help the country fulfill its reporting and implementation obligations.
“Allow me to commend the Government of the Republic of Zambia and its social partners for their continued commitment to the values and principles enshrined in the ILO Constitution,” said Chibebe. “Since joining the ILO in 1964, Zambia has ratified 49 international labour conventions, including all fundamental and governance conventions, demonstrating a strong commitment to decent work and social justice.”
Chibebe also acknowledged Zambia’s pledge to submit an out-of-cycle report by September 1, 2025, in response to the Conference Committee on the Application of Standards. He described this as a sign of Zambia’s resolve to uphold its international obligations and strengthen its labour governance structures.
Minister of Labour and Social Security, Brenda Tambatamba, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to aligning national labour laws with ratified international conventions. “The Zambian Government has ratified a total of 49 conventions including Convention 190. We must meet our obligations, and the rule of law must guide our efforts,” she said.
Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary Zechariah Luhanga noted that reforms are underway to ensure national laws, including the Zambia National Service (ZNS) Act, align with international standards, emphasizing that ZNS training is voluntary and focused on equipping youths with market-relevant skills.
Zambia Federation of Employers President, Myra Ngoma, emphasized the importance of international labour standards in ensuring fair and just working conditions globally. “They not only strengthen workers’ rights but also uphold human dignity and create a framework for equitable treatment,” she said.
Echoing similar sentiments, Catherine Kantumoya, Deputy Secretary General for the Zambia Congress of Trade Unions, called on all tripartite stakeholders to remain proactive in adopting and implementing international standards.
The workshop, which concludes today, has brought together government officials and social partners to build capacity in International Labour Standards Reporting, reinforcing Zambia’s position as a regional leader in labour rights and governance.
