promoting labour standards & decent work for workers in the informal economy in Africa

Future of work & implications for decent work & labour standards

The future of work is concerned with emerging global issues, including climate change and sustainable development, as well as the impact of technology and globalisation on how work is organised and performed. Remote work and work in the platform economy are a reality; and the automation of work and the use of AI in the world of work will require new skills. It is imperative that governments and the social partners agree on the way forward to ensure that  labour standards are not compromised and that the benefits of technology are adopted in support of decent work. 

ILO Future of Work Initiative

Decent work & labour standards in the region

The Southern African Customs Union (SACU) is the world’s oldest customs union consisting of Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa and Swaziland.

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is a Regional Economic Community comprising 16 Member States; Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Relevant developments include the SADC Protocol on Employment and Labour and the SADC Regional Migration Policy.

Draft Implementation Plan: SADC Protocol