East Africa

Details: East Africa; 31 March 2025; 295

SADC Ministers of Employment and Labour and Social Partners held their annual meeting in Victoria Falls, Republic of Zimbabwe from 27 to 28 March 2025.

The Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Honourable Edgar Moyo, officially opened the meeting, reaffirming SADC’s unwavering commitment to sustainable socio-economic development and poverty eradication. The Honourable Minister underscored the critical importance of pro-employment strategies in productive sectors such as agriculture and mining, to ensure labour-intensive growth.

To address this, he urged Member States to adopt and implement responsive National Employment Policies (NEPs) that are well-integrated into broader socio-economic policies and strategies. Furthermore, he stressed the need for enhanced regional cooperation in sharing best practices to collectively tackle unemployment. Recognising the significant decent work deficits in the informal economy, he highlighted the urgent need to address structural transformation challenges to facilitate a transition to formality, including the creation of an enabling business environment and extension of social protection coverage.

The SADC Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration, Ms. Angele Makombo Ntumba, echoed concerns about the worsening employment situation across the region and called for urgent measures to develop more coherent and well-coordinated employment strategies. Given the persistently high youth unemployment rates, she highlighted the importance of equipping young people with the requisite skills, particularly through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes that promote joint-sector cooperation and active private sector participation.

She also stressed the need to adopt digital solutions to modernise TVET delivery, ensuring alignment with emerging economic opportunities. On labour migration, she acknowledged the progress made in migration governance in several Member States, particularly through the enactment of new legal frameworks on fair and ethical recruitment. She reaffirmed the Secretariat’s commitment to supporting Member States in strengthening regional integration efforts in employment and labour, especially through capacity-building and resource mobilisation for key interventions.

Following their deliberations, the Ministers and Social Partners:

Noted that the Republic of Angola had become the first Member State to ratify the SADC Protocol on Employment and Labour of 2023, which establishes the regional cooperation framework on decent work. They welcomed the update that the signed instrument of ratification would be deposited with the Secretariat in due course. They commended the Republics of Botswana, Mozambique, United Republic of Tanzania and Zimbabwe for signing the Protocol during the Summit held in August 2024. Accordingly, they urged all Member States to complete their national processes for signature and ratification by 2026 in line with previous Ministerial decisions.
Urged Member States to develop and implement comprehensive National Employment Policies (NEPs) aligned with National Development Plans and macroeconomic policies, noting with concern that very few Member States had up-to-date frameworks. In this regard, they directed the Secretariat to develop regional guidelines to enhance coordination and implementation of these policies, emphasizing the need for dedicated budget allocations and stronger institutional capacity.
Noted that SADC Member States were progressively implementing the most recent international statistical standards to produce labour statistics and were, therefore, at an advanced stage towards finalisation of the SADC Labour Market Observatory (LMO). They approved the Revised SADC LMO data master plan and commended Botswana and South Africa for successfully launching their national Labour Market Information Systems.
Endorsed the draft Revised SADC TVET Strategic Framework (2025-2034) which seeks to enhance skills development and employability, particularly for youth, through closer collaboration between training institutions and industries. Accordingly, the Ministers and Social Partners referred the strategic framework to SADC Ministers of Education and Training and Science, Technology and Innovation for further consideration and approval in June 2025.
Noted progress in the implementation of the SADC Labour Migration Action Plan (2020-2025), noting the plans by the SADC Secretariat to convene a Joint Meeting of Chiefs of Immigration and Labour Commissioners to enhance regional cooperation on labour migration issues. Among other actions to enhance labour migration governance, they urged Member States to establish and strengthen dedicated labour migration coordination structures and units.
Approved the establishment of a SADC Employment and Labour Sector Forum on Labour Relations in the Public Sector to strengthen labour administration systems by promoting the harmonisation of laws and practices governing public and private sector workers. In addition, they requested the Chair of SADC to undertake consultations with key stakeholders with a view to proposing the establishment of a SADC Public Service Commissions Forum.
Noted Member States’ commitment to uphold international labour standards and commended Zambia for ratifying the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention No. 190 on violence and harassment in the workplace. They urged all Member States to expedite ratification of remaining prioritised conventions, particularly those related to occupational safety and health (Convention No. 155 and Convention No. 187). In this regard, they requested continued technical support from the ILO for gap analyses and alignment of national laws.
Endorsed Zimbabwe’s candidacy for the position of President of the 113th International Labour Conference, to be held in June 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland, and requested Member States’ support for the bid.
Received reports from the SADC Private Sector Forum and the Southern Africa Trade Union Coordination Council and reiterated their commitment to social dialogue at national and regional levels.

The Ministers and Social Partners ended their annual meeting with a working visit to the Zambezi Crocodile Farm, where they gained insights into Zimbabwe's approaches to social security and workplace safety and health in the agriculture sector. The visit included a guided tour showcasing sustainable farming operations, highlighting the importance of decent work in enhancing labour protection and productivity in key economic sectors.

Thirteen (13) Member States (Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe) participated in the meeting, together with Social Partners who were led by the SADC Private Sector Forum (SPSF) and Southern Africa Trade Union Coordination Council (SATUCC). Representatives of the ILO and International Organisation for Migration (IOM) also participated in the meeting and reiterated their support to regional integration in SADC. Remarks by Hon Minister Edgar Moyo / Remarks by SADC Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration

Details: East Africa; 31 March 2025; 277

Ramadan is a sacred month characterised by fasting, prayer, charity, and reaching out to the poor and vulnerable

The Presiding Officers of Parliament, led by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Thoko Didiza, and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Ms Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, wish the Muslim community a peaceful and reflective Eid al-Fitr as they celebrate the end of the holy month of Ramadan in 2025.

Ramadan is a sacred month characterised by fasting, prayer, charity, and reaching out to the poor and vulnerable. During this time, Muslims around the world abstain from eating and drinking during daylight hours.

The Presiding Officers extend their well wishes to the Muslim community, hoping that today is spiritually fulfilling.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Details: East Africa; 30 March 2025; 277

Tayebwa however, appreciated the exhibition organsied by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) for the level of innovation which he said can significantly transform the education sector

The Deputy Speaker,Thomas Tayebwa has urged students using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in inventing projects and programmes to focus its usage on academics saying its dangers are imminent.

Tayebwa made this call while opening the 15th Higher Education Institutions Exhibition on AI at Mbarara District headquarters in Kamukuzi Division.

He said there are already glaring cases of AI misuse that should guide students while developing projects and programmes as witnessed during the Mbarara exhibition.

“In the 2020 elections of USA, there is a company which was accused of determining the outcomes of the elections. The company used data from Facebook to determined 5,000 character traits of people using Facebook and started using customised adverts to undermine the then government in power,” said Tayebwa.

He cited a story of a one Singh Jaswant who was spurred on by intimate conversations with an avatar named Sarai to kill the then Queen of England in 2023.

Singh who is now serving a nine year sentence had exchanged more than 5000 messages with his online companion believed to be angelic, Tayebwa said.

“What you consume in your life is important. I advocate that you only use AI for educational purposes so that it transforms your lives; if you ask it a wrong question it will lead you on a wrong journey,” said Tayebwa.

Tayebwa however, appreciated the exhibition organsied by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) for the level of innovation which he said can significantly transform the education sector.

“I have seen innovations here that are aimed at transforming how we learn, how we teach and how we search. This is the kind of AI we need that is going to help us in diagnosing diseases which would otherwise be complicated and in early diagnosis, to detect non-communicable diseases like cancer,” Tayebwa said.

Ndejje University showcased an AI assisted irrigation system which monitors soil moisture to schedule irrigation and the quantity of water. The farmer in this case is not required to physically carryout irrigation reducing on labour costs and dealing with over and under irrigation.

At the Uganda Martyrs University’s booth, the Deputy Speaker was taken through an AI enrolment programme which analyses enrolment trends per academic discipline to be able to deal with critical issues such as gender inequality.

The NCHE Executive Director, Prof. Mary Okwakol said the annual exhibition is the council’s top calendar event, where they get to disseminate information on higher education as well as interacting with students, education leaders and policy makers.

“We have been here since Monday in a conference where we got to engage with stakeholders,” Okwakol said.

Okwakol said learners require skills in the use of AI to match the skills needed to get into the job market.

She asked government to consider a policy to guide AI implementation and the costs involved for its integration in the education system.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

Details: East Africa; 31 March 2025; 214

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Nairobi Regional Police Commander George Sedah (right) and Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan address the Press after Eid-Ul-Fitr prayers in Eastleigh, Nairobi, on March 30, 2025.[Benard Orwongo,Standard]

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has criticised the deployment of Kenyan police officers to Haiti under the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, terming it unlawful.

Speaking at a funeral in Machakos, Kalonzo claimed that the mission, which has so far resulted in the death of one officer while another remains missing, contravenes the United Nations Security Council’s mandate. “It is the responsibility of the UN Security Council to ensure international peace and security, but the deployment was a bilateral arrangement between Kenya and United States of America under the regime of President Joe Biden,” he said.

However, speaking separately, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja affirmed that the search for the missing officer was ongoing.

Addressing Eid celebrations in Eastleigh, Nairobi, on Sunday, where he joined the Muslim community in prayer, Kanja described the Haiti mission as a success. “Our officers in Haiti are doing a good job. When they arrived, the roads were impassable, the airport was closed, and even hospitals were not operating. That is now in the past, and normalcy is returning,” Kanja said.

He acknowledged the challenges facing the MSS mission, particularly the recent attack that led to the disappearance of a Kenyan officer.

“Our search for the missing officer is still ongoing, and we are confident we will find him,” Kanja said.

Police officer Benedict Kabiru, was reported missing last week after an armed gang ambushed security forces assisting in a vehicle recovery operation.

Kanja also addressed concerns over the funding of the mission, dismissing speculation that financial constraints were hindering operations. “There are a lot of countries supporting us, including America, which has not stopped funding the mission. It is all well, and our officers are faring on well,” he said.

During his visit to Eastleigh, Kanja reassured residents of their safety and underscored the importance of community cooperation with law enforcement.

Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan reassured Kenyans and visitors that, despite recent travel advisories discouraging foreign nationals from visiting the area, Eastleigh remains safe and peaceful. By Emmanuel Kipchumba and Victor Nzuma, The Standard

Details: East Africa; 30 March 2025; 258

Doctors hold a peaceful demonstration outside the parliament building on 18th March 2025. [Edward Kiplimo,Standard]

One argument we have heard is that health is so problematic that the national government was willing to devolve it to whoever wanted it in the new Constitution!

Health is comparable to tomatoes, which are very perishable. Once citizens are sick, you can’t wait.

Apart from being a problem child, it’s not clear why health was devolved. Maybe doctors were too busy working to lobby for a commission like teachers.

How has health faired in the devolved units? It did not go as expected. A study on Devolution@10 notes that despite some perceived improvements in health services due to increased county government investments, access to quality healthcare across various counties remains suboptimal with inadequate, inaccessible, and poorly managed health services.

A disproportionate focus on curative over preventive services, limited resources and infrastructure, management issues like corruption and political interference, sociocultural barriers like traditional beliefs, and a lack of health education are identified as key deterrents to optimal health outcomes.

Frequent changes of Cabinet Secretaries in the health docket also show the sector is not that healthy. Were devolved units ready for this task? It takes a huge part of the county’s budget. Skills shortage is another big challenge. Some counties like Nairobi have excess capacity; most medical schools are located there, and students do not want to leave Nairobi after graduation. One curious observation is the number of jobless doctors despite the demand for doctors in some counties.

The second issue is that, like other functions, the Health Ministry has not let the counties go. Think of equipment leasing and the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (Kemsa).

There is too much centralisation, which hampers efficiency and makes it hard for counties to get better deals.

The bigger part of the health budget is with the counties, but citizens still complain of access and cost, particularly after shifting from the national hospital insurance fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).

The paradox is that by devolving the health function, economies of scale are hard to achieve. Perhaps counties need to talk to each other. Can they share specialists and facilities such as labs and mortuaries?

The third issue is data sharing. If a patient falls ill in one county, we have no reference to his prior health.

Sharing data would make planning easier. Counties can even charge each other once we know where the patient hails from. The availability of a patient’s history would make diagnosis easier, particularly in cases of emergencies. Fourth, doctors’ and nurses’ strikes are a symptom that all is not well in the county health systems. The call for a national health commission is another symptom. Add the frequent harambees to raise medical funds.

In the last 100 years, the extension in life expectancy was driven largely by improvements in hygiene, not advances in medical technology. The counties face a lot of pressure to address non-communicable diseases like cancer, diabetes, or heart disease.

What percentage of the health budget in counties goes to “modern diseases” compared with improvements in nutrition and clean water? What about mental illnesses?

Interconnectedness among key stakeholders will improve health. Bad roads make evacuation hard, a lack of power leads to the loss of essential drugs, and a lack of education keeps superstitions alive and gives business to herbalists and witch doctors.

Poor nutrition and a lack of clean water make citizens prone to diseases. Sick citizens are not productive, and the county economy falters.

The use of gas to cook and electric cars could reduce respiratory diseases. Even simple things like house designs could make a difference to our health.

The ultimate test of the health system is life expectancy. Has it gone up in the counties?

We are now shifting from the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) to SHIF. Should health insurance be devolved so that each county has its own scheme to take care of the context? Pastoralists and urbanites have different health issues.

Let’s have more synergy. The national and county governments should work together, sharing resources, data, and innovations. Private, public, and mission hospitals share little. Could we add herbalists? What do counties share?

With sports, there would be less worry over obesity and heart diseases. Sports are the golden route to better health. Do you recall walking and sports during Covid-19? Why didn’t we maintain that tempo? Why do we ignore sports after school? Sports will improve our physical and mental health. They would keep us from substance abuse, too. Religion is a factor in health. Beyond reducing anxiety, it often keeps some away from modern medicine. Think of Akorino. Churches and other religious organisations also invest in and own health facilities.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has great policies on health. How are they cascaded into grassroots and counties? Do the citizens feel them through better health?

What more can we do to improve the health in the devolved units? Research shows that many hospitals are now “referral.”

They should be centers of health research in the counties. How much of the country’s health budget goes to research? Lifestyle, climate change, and genetics have given us new diseases.

Continuous research would help us address these new diseases. How much have we mapped our genes? Diseases like dementia and cancer were rare in rural areas. Why now?

Incentives for doctors and nurses to stay in counties are needed. Doctors are relocating back to the city, claiming it has a “conducive” work environment.

One doctor who came back to Nairobi asked me, “What shall I do in the countryside after work or over the weekend?”

Our traditions were healthy. That is why we had no diseases of development. Traditional foods were nutritional and healthy. Remember, food was boiled, not fried. Real estate should focus on liveability. Why do we crowd houses without parks and “breathing spaces?”

Charity begins at home. What are the family traditions on matters of health, staple food, hobbies, and family harmony (for emotional health)?

Let us introduce health basics early. In Class Five, we did an experiment where someone puffed a cigarette through white handkerchiefs. The teacher then asked, “If the white handkerchief turns grey with one puff, what of your lungs if you smoke all your life?” Very few of my former classmates smoke today.

Finally, let us not re-invent the wheel. Let’s learn from other countries and counties on how to improve national health. Canada and the Scandinavian countries are good benchmarks.

Kenya’s youth population may mask the health issues, particularly in the rural areas where the majority live.

Through continuous research, we can unmask the health issues at the grassroots and address them. Health is an input into our productivity and economic growth. That is not about to change. By Xn Iraki, The Standard

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East Africa

Job creation takes centre-stage at meeting of SADC Ministers of Employment and Labour and Social Partners

South Africa: Parliament Wishes All Muslims a Blessed Eid Al-Fitr

Uganda: Be aware of the dangers of Artificial Intelligence (AI) - Tayebwa tells students

Kalonzo slams Haiti mission as IG Kanja vows to find missing officer

SHA crisis: Can counties offer cure?

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