SADC Senior Officials Meeting Opens in Victoria Falls, Addressing Youth Employment and Labour Migration

Running under theme “Promoting Innovation to Unlock Opportunities for Sustained Economic Growth and Development Towards an industrialized SADC” the meeting focuses on tackling pressing socio-economic challenges, labour migration, and employment issues in the region.

In his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary for Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare and Chairperson of the SADC Employment and Labour Committee, Mr. S. Masanga emphasized the urgent need for collective efforts to address employment concerns and economic development.

“This meeting is not merely a formality but a critical platform for us to strategize and find solutions. We must ask ourselves tough questions: Are we doing enough to equip our citizens with the skills they need to thrive in the 21st-century economy?” Masanga stated.

With youth unemployment being a pressing issue, Masanga urged stakeholders to prioritize skills development. He highlighted that about 35% of the region’s population consists of young people with growing aspirations and an increasing need for decent jobs.

“Our region must invest in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) to equip the workforce with skills that match labour market demands. This is essential for fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable job creation,” he added.

Another key topic was labour migration, with Masanga presenting data showing a dramatic increase in the number of migrant workers in the SADC region.

“In 2008, we had 3.1 million migrants. By 2017, this number had risen to 8.1 million—an increase of 160.9%. These figures highlight the need for policies that support both regional integration and employment stability,” he noted.

Emphasizing the importance of collaboration, Masanga called for stronger partnerships between governments, employers, and workers.

“Tripartite dialogue remains the cornerstone of our approach to addressing multifaceted challenges in the world of work. By working together, we can make significant strides towards a brighter future for our people,” he concluded.

With the meeting now officially open, delegates are expected to deliberate on strategies for economic growth, job creation, and social protection systems that safeguard the vulnerable in times of economic disruption.

By Tafadzwa G Matsa