PM Ngirente, ILO officials discuss Africa's untapped potential

Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente on Thursday held talks with Cynthia Samuel-Olonjuwon, Assistant Director-General for Africa at the International Labour Organization (ILO), along with André Bogui, Director of the Office of the Director-General. The visit of the ILO officials to Rwanda coincided with the 19th ILO Regional Seminar for Labour-based Practitioners, where key discussions centered around forging a partnership to enhance skills development and foster the creation of decent jobs. ALSO READ: ILO urges East African countries to harmonise labour laws During the meeting, the ILO representatives praised Rwanda for its unwavering commitment to social justice and its commendable efforts in lifting people out of poverty. Cynthia Samuel-Olonjuwon specifically emphasized the ILO's willingness to provide support to Rwanda, particularly in the aftermath of the recent devastating flood disasters that have affected the country. Moreover, Olonjuwon commended Rwanda for hosting the highly successful 19th ILO Regional Seminar, which achieved record-breaking participation numbers and attracted ministerial representation from various countries. The seminar tackled a broad spectrum of issues, fostering collaboration between policymakers and practitioners to generate improved job opportunities through both public and private investments in infrastructure and services. In her remarks, Olonjuwon highlighted the seminar's success in harnessing the potential of Rwanda's young population and bolstering continental infrastructure. The event provided an ideal platform for fruitful discussions and collaboration on how to effectively leverage the resources and innovative capabilities of Rwanda's youth and the broader African youth population. By prioritizing infrastructure enhancement and creating opportunities for the younger generation, the conference laid a strong foundation for sustainable development and prosperity across the continent. ALSO READ: Increase of public servants’ pay will depend on economy - official Additionally, the ILO representatives utilized the opportunity to follow up on an invitation extended by the ILO Director-General to President Paul Kagame to participate in the upcoming International Labour Conference in June. They expressed their eager anticipation for President Kagame's attendance, particularly at the heads of state meeting focusing on social justice. Minister of Public Service and Labour, Fanfan Rwanyindo Kayirangwa, highlighted that the discussions also encompassed the support that the ILO is ready to provide for Rwanda's National Strategy for Transformation (NST1) within the broader framework of the United Nations. Leveraging the ILO's global influence and expertise, the aim is to accelerate the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals related to job creation, social protection, and inclusivity. In a press interview, Minister Rwanyindo Kayirangwa emphasized that the engagement between the Prime Minister and the ILO officials underscored Rwanda's strong commitment to fostering collaboration and partnership. The discussions primarily focused on advancing skills development, promoting the creation of decent jobs, and achieving sustainable development objectives.

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PM Ngirente, ILO officials discuss Africa's untapped potential