By Own Correspondent

THE International Labour Organisation’s Bureau for Employers’ Activities (ACT/EMP) is actively supporting efforts to strengthen the private sector in Zimbabwe, enhancing its ability to lobby and advocate for an environment that fosters economic growth and development through private enterprise.

The organization believes that such initiatives will go a long way to bolster decent job creation in the Southern Africa nation.

At a recent two-day workshop in Harare, supported by the ILO, Employer and Business Membership Organizations (EBMOs) revisited the importance of establishing a strong, unified voice for the private sector.

“This goal was previously initiated but delayed due to the impact of the pandemic. The participants reaffirmed the need for a Cooperation Framework Agreement among EBMOs with the aim of amplifying their collective voice in influencing policies and the regulatory landscape for private sector growth.

“The next steps will be to explore the options for this Cooperative Framework Agreement and to develop an implementation plan to achieve the intended impact,” a communiqué released at the end of the engagements said.

In close collaboration with the Employers Confederation of Zimbabwe (EMCOZ), the ILO Bureau for Employers' Activities, ACT/EMP identified a gap in EMCOZ's approach to labour and employment relations.

While these relations are crucial for fostering harmonious industrial relations, they do not fully address the broader socio-economic development needs of Zimbabwe.

In light of the need for a unified advocacy framework to address issues affecting the private sector as a whole, there was a growing recognition among EBMOs representing diverse sectors, including trade, agriculture, mining, and banking, of the value in forging a collaborative approach.

The ILO remains committed to supporting private sector growth and development in alignment with its mandate to improve labour conditions and living standards globally.

As the engine of economic growth, the private sector plays a critical role in job creation, tax revenue generation, and socio-economic advancement for Zimbabwe.