ILO Country Office for Zambia and Malawi

12/08/2026

🎓 Recognizing Skills, Transforming Lives!

Malawi has celebrated a major milestone in skills development with the graduation of its first cohort of artisans certified through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) system.

The programme recognizes skills gained through work experience and informal learning, creating new pathways to employment, career growth, business development and social protection.

At the inaugural graduation ceremony held in Lilongwe, 100 artisans received certificates recognizing their competencies, forming part of more than 500 workers already assessed and certified through the programme.

Mr. George Masinga, representing the Minister of Labour, Skills and Innovation, highlighted the importance of the initiative, stating: “Recognition of Prior Learning is a strategic intervention that contributes to the realization of Malawi 2063 by recognizing, validating and developing the skills of our workforce.”

For graduates like Owen M'bona, a refrigeration and air-conditioning technician who learned his trade through practical experience, the certification marks a life-changing achievement: “Before this achievement, many doubted my abilities because I had no formal qualification. I now have confidence because people will trust my work.”

Encouraging the graduates to lead by example, Mr. Wellington Chibebe, ILO Country Director for Malawi and Zambia, said: “Your certificates are not only a recognition of the skills you have acquired; they are also an opportunity to demonstrate what you can do. We encourage you to become ambassadors of RPL, to demonstrate excellence in your work and to inspire other skilled workers to have their competencies recognized.”

As Malawi advances its Malawi 2063 vision, the RPL programme is helping build a labour market where skills are valued, experience is recognized, and no worker is left behind.

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of Labour, Skills and Innovation MalawiUnited Nations MalawiTeveta Zambia

06/08/2026

04/08/2026

🇲🇼 Strengthening the ILO-Malawi Partnership for Decent Work

ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo concluded a productive visit to Malawi, reaffirming the ILO’s commitment to supporting the country’s efforts to advance decent work, social protection, skills development and job creation.

During the visit, the Director-General met with Government, workers’ and employers’ representatives to discuss key priorities, including youth employment, social protection, skills development, child labour elimination, and support for Malawians returning from South Africa.

Mr. Houngbo commended Malawi’s active role in the ILO Governing Body and described the country as a strategic partner in advancing the Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions and the broader Decent Work Agenda.

The visit also highlighted the strength of Malawi’s tripartite dialogue, with Government, the Malawi Congress of Trade Unions (MCTU), and the Employers’ Consultative Association of Malawi (ECAM) reaffirming their commitment to working together to promote social justice, productive employment and inclusive growth.

🎥 Watch the Director-General’s message and learn more about the shared commitment to creating a better future of work for all in Malawi.

31/07/2026

31/07/2026

Days 4 and 5 of the Zambia–Eswatini E-Waste Study Tour

The learning continued as the Zambia and Eswatini delegation explored more innovative approaches to electronic waste management in South Africa.

Day 4 began with a visit to E-Waste Africa, where the delegation learned how the company safely recovers valuable materials from a wide range of electronic waste. Participants saw how end-of-life solar panels are dismantled and recycled to recover materials such as aluminium, glass and metals, while fluorescent tubes and light bulbs are safely processed to remove hazardous substances like mercury before the remaining materials are recycled. The visit highlighted the importance of protecting both people and the environment through safe, compliant recycling practices while ensuring valuable resources remain in the circular economy.

On day 4, the delegation then travelled to Cape Town, where they visited One Time Africa. During the visit, participants learned how the organisation is using data and technology to better understand electronic waste streams and improve recycling systems. A key focus was the growing challenge of discarded vapes and how valuable lithium-ion batteries can be recovered, tested and repurposed instead of being sent to landfill. The discussions demonstrated how data-driven solutions can help increase recycling rates, recover valuable materials and support a more sustainable circular economy.

The study tour forms part of the Sustainable E-Waste Management for Youth Employment in Central Province, Zambia project, implemented by the International Labour Organization (ILO) with generous funding from the Government of Japan. The practical lessons and experiences gained will help strengthen Zambia's efforts to build a more sustainable and inclusive e-waste management system.

We extend our sincere appreciation to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), ILO Pretoria office and the EPR Waste Association of South Africa (EWASA) for their excellent coordination and warm hospitality throughout the study tour. Their commitment to knowledge sharing and regional collaboration is helping to build stronger e-waste management systems across Southern Africa.

Waste Association of South AfricaDepartment of Forestry, Fisheries and the EnvironmentMinistry of Green Economy and Environment - ZambiaZambia Environmental Management AgencyTeveta ZambiaE-Tech RecyclingILO Pretoria officeInternational Labour OrganizationUnited Nations in ZambiaEmbassy of Japan in the Republic of Zambia -在ザンビア日本国大使館

29/07/2026

Day 3 of the Study Tour in South

The learning continued today as the Zambia and Eswatini delegation visited two organisations in South Africa that are leading the way in responsible e-waste management and sustainability.
The morning began with a visit to JRPC METAL Enhancers , where the delegation learned how valuable metals such as gold, silver and platinum can be recovered from old electronic devices and components. Instead of ending up in landfills, these materials are safely extracted, refined and returned to the manufacturing supply chain. The visit demonstrated that e-waste is not just rubbish, it contains valuable resources that can be recovered, reused and turned into economic opportunities.
In the afternoon, the delegation visited Canon South Africa, where participants learned how the company is reducing its environmental impact by designing products to last longer, encouraging repair and reuse, and supporting the collection and recycling of used electronic equipment. Canon's approach shows how manufacturers can play an important role in ensuring products remain part of the circular economy rather than becoming waste.
Each visit continues to reinforce an important lesson from the study tour: with the right skills, systems and partnerships, e-waste can protect the environment, create jobs and contribute to a more sustainable future.

The visit to Canon was especially meaningful as the study tour is part of the Sustainable E-Waste Management for Youth Employment in Central Province, Zambia project, implemented by the International Labour Organization (ILO) with funding from the Embassy of Japan in the Republic of Zambia -在ザンビア日本国大使館. Seeing how a leading Japanese company is championing sustainable production and responsible e-waste management provided valuable lessons that can help inform similar efforts in Zambia.

29/07/2026

Day 2 of the Zambia–Eswatini E-Waste Study Tour: Learning from Industry Leaders

Today, our delegation from Zambia and Eswatini gained valuable practical insights into sustainable e-waste management through visits to two leading South African recycling companies.

Our morning began at RADtech, where Chief Executive Officer Ms. Elizabeth Das welcomed the delegation and led an informative tour of the company's facilities. Through an engaging training session, we explored the importance of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) in handling E-waste, compliance with regulatory frameworks, identifying the value of electronic waste, and best practices for the safe storage and quarantine of e-waste. The visit reinforced a powerful message: E-waste is not just waste, it is a valuable resource that can create jobs, generate income, and support a thriving circular economy. RADtech also demonstrated how secure data destruction, refurbishment and responsible recycling can extend the life of electronic equipment while protecting the environment.

In the afternoon, the delegation visited Envirocycle, one of South Africa's leading recycling companies. Touring its large-scale processing facilities gave participants a first-hand look at how scrap metal and end-of-life appliances, including refrigerators and other electronic equipment are recovered, processed and prepared for recycling. The visit showcased how efficient recycling systems recover valuable materials, divert waste from landfill, and create sustainable economic opportunities through responsible resource management.

As the study tour continues, the delegation is gathering practical knowledge and best practices that can help strengthen e-waste management systems, promote green jobs, and unlock new opportunities for youth employment back home.

Eswatini Environment AuthorityEPR Waste Association of South AfricaMinistry of Green Economy and Environment - ZambiaZambia Environmental Management Agency@followersE-Tech Recycling

28/07/2026

27/07/2026

This week, a regional delegation comprising representatives from the Government of Zambia, Government of Eswatini, the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA), SMART Zambia Institute, the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, TEVETA, Kabwe Institute of Technology, and private sector partner E-Tech has embarked on a study tour to South Africa under the Sustainable E-Waste Management for Youth Employment Project.

The week-long mission brings together policymakers, technical experts, training institutions and industry stakeholders to exchange knowledge, strengthen partnerships and learn from South Africa’s experience in building a sustainable e-waste management ecosystem.

With one of the continent’s most advanced e-waste management systems, South Africa provides a practical platform for participants to explore best practices in policy and regulatory frameworks, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), circular economy approaches, resource recovery, and green enterprise development. The insights gained will contribute to Zambia’s efforts to develop an inclusive e-waste sector that creates decent jobs and entrepreneurship opportunities for young people while promoting environmental sustainability.

Day One of the programme begins with a benchmarking workshop, where delegates are engaging with experts to gain a deeper understanding of South Africa’s policy and institutional framework for e-waste management. Discussions are focusing on governance, regulatory implementation, and collaborative approaches that support sustainable waste management, green jobs and the transition to a circular economy.

Follow our pages throughout the week as we share highlights and key lessons from the study tour.

Ministry of Green Economy and Environment - ZambiaEmbassy of Japan in the Republic of Zambia -在ザンビア日本国大使館Zambia Environmental Management AgencyE-Tech Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment ILO Pretoria office

21/07/2026

| Turning E-Waste into Opportunity |

The official launch of the Sustainable E-Waste Management for Youth Employment Project in Central Province, a partnership between the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Government of Zambia, and the Government of Japan took place last week.

Together, we're not just managing e-waste, we're creating opportunities for youths in Central Province to have decent work and entrepreneurship while protecting our environment .



of Labour and Social Security ZambiaZambia Agency for Persons with DisabilitiesMinistry of Green Economy and Environment - ZambiaZambia Congress Of Trade Unions - ZCTUEmbassy of Japan in the Republic of Zambia -在ザンビア日本国大使館 Zambia Environmental Management Agency