Algeria proposes African labor legislation forum to ILO chief
Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Algeria proposed the creation of an African forum for labor legislation during a meeting with the ILO Director-General in Geneva.
- Minister Abdelhak Saihi highlighted Algeria's experience in social dialogue and professional training for African nations.
- The ILO Director-General supported the idea of Algeria's Higher School of Social Security becoming a reference center for African training.
Algeria is advocating for enhanced African cooperation in labor matters, proposing the establishment of a dedicated forum for labor legislation. During a meeting in Geneva with the International Labour Organization's (ILO) Director-General Gilbert Houngbo, Algerian Minister of Labor Abdelhak Saihi emphasized Algeria's pioneering role in professional training and social security across the continent.
Saihi presented Algeria's extensive experience in social dialogue, noting the country's balanced and constructive tripartite partnerships. He also highlighted Algeria's expertise in training African cadres, particularly in medical management, and reiterated the nation's readiness to share its social security knowledge. The proposal aims to strengthen institutional capacities and foster South-South cooperation.
The ILO Director-General expressed strong support for Algeria's initiatives. Gilbert Houngbo praised Algeria's social security advancements and recognized the potential of the Higher School of Social Security (ESSS) to become a leading African training hub. He also underscored the importance of joint efforts in labor statistics and knowledge exchange.
Further discussions included the potential creation of an African forum for labor legislation. Saihi envisioned this platform as a space for sharing expertise and evaluating African experiences in labor laws, adapting to the continent's socioeconomic shifts. This initiative aligns with Algeria's broader goal of structuring African cooperation on labor issues.
Originally published by El Watan in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.