ILO Country Director for the Horn of Africa countries, Khumbula Ndaba held a series of courtesy meeting with key stakeholders in Ethiopia following his appointment by ILO Director-General, Gilbert F. Houngbo in April 2024.
The Country Director paid a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Labour & Skills and met H.E. Muferihat Kamil. The Director discussed with the Minister on strengthening cooperation on employment promotion, labour relations & skills development.
© ILO/Homa Ejeta Mr. Khumbula also visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and presented his credentials to H.E. Melaku Bedada, Director General of Protocol Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of FDRE.
Up on presenting his credentials, Khumbula stated: “I am honoured to be here in Ethiopia to serve the Ethiopian People with our tripartite partners by assuming the responsibility of strengthening the century old relationships between the ILO and Ethiopia. I believe we will build a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable labour market that promotes social justice and decent work for all in Ethiopia and the Horn of African region.”
Melaku Bedada reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to its longstanding partnership with the ILO and underscored the importance of creating job opportunities for the growing number of youths in Ethiopia, stating that, “the Government of Ethiopia along with partners including the private sector is trying to create job opportunities for youth and is encouraging entrepreneurship as a means to reduce unemployment.”
In a bid to strengthen partnerships with government entities, employers, and workers' organizations, as well as other stakeholders, the ILO Country Director paid a courtesy visit to the Confederation of Ethiopian Employers Association (CEEA) and the Confederation of Ethiopian Employers Federation (CEEF) and discussed with the Presidents and board members around areas of cooperation that need immediate attention.
The Director also held a productive meeting with the president of the Confederation of Ethiopian Trade Unions, Mr. Kassahun Follo. The two parties discussed on issues affecting workers in Ethiopia & in the sub region.
© ILO/Homa Ejeta As part of forging new partnerships, the Country Director visited the Institute of Foreign Affairs -IFA to explore possible collaboration. The discussions focused on leveraging ILO’s & IFA’s capacities on research, dialogue & capacity building on International Labour Standards & diplomacy.
