New leadership for the ILO Country Office Addis Ababa
ILO CO-Addis new Country Director shares his vision
26 June 2024
Bio: Mr. Khumbula Ndaba was the Deputy Director General (DDG) for Corporate Services at the National Department of Social Development of the Government the Republic of South Africa. He was a former trade unionist and worked for the South African Police Service and was conferred by the second President of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki as Major-General in 2003. He joined the public service in 1999 and focussed on the development of Human Resource and compensation policies for the State. He also managed negotiations of salaries and conditions of service on behalf of the state in the Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council. He was appointed as a Director of the ILO Country Office-Addis Ababa as of April 2024.
Upon my appointment as the new Director of the ILO Country Office of Addis Ababa, I am deeply honoured and invigorated by the opportunity to lead our efforts in Ethiopia, Djibouti, Somalia, South Sudan and Sudan. My vision for the ILO Country Office in Addis Ababa is anchored in fostering a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable labour market that upholds the dignity of every stakeholder in the Horn of African region.
Our primary goal is to strengthen partnerships with government entities, employers, and workers' organizations, as well as other stakeholders to create a cohesive framework that supports decent work for all. We aim to bolster policies that promote fair wages, safe working conditions, and social protection mechanisms. Additionally, we will focus on empowering marginalized groups—particularly women and young people—by enhancing their access to quality employment opportunities.
In alignment with the broader objectives of the International Labour Organization, our office will prioritize capacity-building initiatives that enhance local expertise in labour rights and standards. We intend to drive forward innovative programs aimed at tackling unemployment through skills development and entrepreneurship support. Moreover, we are committed to advancing social dialogue as a cornerstone of our strategy.
By fostering open communication among all sectors of society, we can build consensus-driven solutions that address current labour market challenges while anticipating future needs. Through these concerted efforts, we aspire to contribute meaningfully towards a just and prosperous region.
Collaboration with local government and stakeholders is paramount as I embark on my tenure as the new ILO Country Director for the Addis Ababa office. Our mission to promote decent work and social justice hinges on forging robust partnerships with the government in the Horn of Africa, local authorities, employers' associations, trade unions, and civil society organizations. By aligning our objectives with national development agendas, we can ensure that our initiatives are both relevant and impactful.
A key focus will be on fostering an open dialogue with local government officials to understand their priorities and challenges better. Such engagement will enable us to tailor our programs to address specific needs, from enhancing labour market policies to improving workplace safety standards. Furthermore, collaboration with stakeholders such as employers' groups and workers' representatives are essential for creating a balanced approach that considers diverse perspectives.
We aim to build a collaborative framework that leverages the strengths of all parties involved. This includes sharing knowledge, resources, and best practices while promoting transparency and accountability in all our endeavours. Together, we can create an inclusive environment where every worker's rights are upheld, contributing significantly to Ethiopia's socio-economic progress.
The future of work in this region holds immense promise, and as a new Country Director of the ILO in Addis Ababa, it is crucial for me to harness this potential with a vision that aligns with both national aspirations and global standards. Central to this vision is the creation of a dynamic labour market that fosters inclusive growth and equitable opportunities for all segments of society, and these would require a strong partnership with all stakeholders.
Hence, I look forward to physically meeting each one of our partners soon and hope for a strengthened partnerships that can advance social justice and promote decent work for all in the Horn of Africa.