Landmark Agreement and Strategic Workshop Mark Successful ILO Visit to Gabon
During her visit, the Regional Director for Africa met government officials, representatives of employers’ and workers’ organizations, and signed a landmark agreement with the country.
27 May 2024
LIBREVILLE (ILO News) Fanfan Rwanyindo Kayirangwa, ILO Assistant Director and Regional Director for Africa, concluded a successful official visit to Gabon from 20-25 May, accompanied by Nteba Soumano, Director of the ILO Office for Angola, Republic of Congo, Gabon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Chad. The visit highlighted significant strides in strengthening the cooperation between Gabon and the International Labour Organization (ILO).
During the visit, the ILO delegation engaged in high-level meetings with key government officials and stakeholders, including the Vice Prime-Minister and Minister of Planning and Forecasting, Alexandre Barro Chambrier, the Minister of Labour and the Fight against Unemployment, Thanguy Nzue Obame, the UN Resident Coordinator in Gabon, Savina Ammassari, and the Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seals, Paul-Marie Gondjout.
One of the visit's cornerstones was the historic signing of Gabon's first Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) with the ILO for the period 2024-2027. This landmark agreement underscores Gabon's commitment to promoting decent work, social protection, and effective social dialogue.
"I am delighted to witness the signing of Gabon's first DWCP, reflecting our shared dedication to advancing decent work and social justice," said Mrs Kayirangwa.
The Regional Director for Africa also sat down with trade union leaders and employer representatives to better understand their concerns and how the ILO can support effective social dialogue in the country.
In addition to these pivotal meetings, the mission included a two-day workshop focusing on identifying strategic priorities for achieving target 8.7 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This workshop aimed to formulate a roadmap of priority actions enabling Gabon to confirm its decision to become a “Pathfinder Country of Alliance 8.7,” demonstrating Gabon's commitment to eradicating child labour, forced labour, and human trafficking.
The visit concluded with a productive meeting with Prime Minister Raymond Ndong Sima, where discussions centred on further strengthening the collaboration between the ILO and Gabon to achieve social justice and promote decent work for all, with a particular focus on youth employment and eradicating modern slavery.
The Minister of Labour and the Fight against Unemployment, Adrien Nguema Mba, expressed his satisfaction at the alignment of the ILO’s efforts with Gabon’s new roadmap for development: “Its aim is to achieve tangible results through greater coordination of efforts to promote decent work. The commitments made during this working session testify to the determination of the transitional government to create a better future for all Gabonese workers."
This visit marks a significant step in the ongoing partnership between Gabon and the ILO, reinforcing joint efforts to promote sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
Gabon signs its first Decent Work Country Programme for 2024-2027