The implementation of the UN Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions is advancing efforts to create jobs, expand social protection and formalise the informal economy.

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and the International Labour Organisation (ILO)'s Director-General Gilbert Houngbo reviewed progress during a courtesy meeting at State House.

More than three decades after independence, Namibia is building on a relationship with the International Labour Organisation that stretches back to the liberation struggle.

President Nandi-Ndaitwah traced the country's labour movement to the support and ideas championed by the ILO, saying those foundations have since helped shape labour relations.

As Namibia implements the UN Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions, she says the programme holds significant promise in the addressing of unemployment.

“The current one, which is really appealing to me, and I believe good results will come out, is the Accelerator Initiative... I am following it with great interest. Labour relations are very important because, in any case, most of us are workers... each one is working, and they complement one another.”

Namibia is one of the first countries to join the Global Accelerator initiative, which brings together the ILO, FAO and UNDP to support job creation, labour market reforms and social protection.

Between 2024 and 2025, the programme helped establish a technical working group to modernise pension systems and align legislation with international social security standards.

It also produced Namibia's first comprehensive diagnostic study on the informal economy to lay the groundwork for policies that could help thousands of informal workers and businesses transition into the formal sector.

The initiative also supported the development of Namibia's Third National Employment Policy while introducing Employment Impact Assessments into government planning.

The ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo explained.

“When we started in '2022 or 2023, Namibia was the first country to adhere to it, given the importance that the country attaches to social protection, just transition and job creation. We are pleased... we are taking stock of where we are.”

The ILO delegation is in Namibia for the African Union Specialised Technical Committee on Social Development, Labour and Employment conference.

The delegation paid tribute to Namibia's liberation history at the Heroes' Acre and laid wreaths in honour of the fallen heroes.

The delegation also visited the Mausoleums of Founding President Sam Nujoma and the late President Hage Geingob, honouring two leaders whose legacies continue to shape the development of the continent.