Story by Tichaona Kurewa
THE 42nd Employers Confederation of Zimbabwe (EMCOZ) commenced in Victoria Falls this Thursday with calls to formalise the informal sector growing louder..
There is also a special focus on adhering to detects of the tripartite negotiating forum (TNF) and formation of apex council of employers in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe is making significant efforts to grow its economy despite the negative impact sanctions, climate change and global shocks hence stakeholders are convinced the adoption of the TNF, formalisation of the informal sector, and formation of the apex council for employers can further accelerate economic growth.
“Progress towards decent work calls for action by mobilising principal actors around this agenda at national level. Integrated decent work defines the priorities and targets within national development frameworks. Promoting decent work is a shared responsibility, it incorporates the needs and perspective of the governments, employers’ and workers’ organisations,” said ZCTU president, Ms Florence Taruvinga.
“Formalising the economy is key to improving productivity and creating decent work conditions. SMEs and micro-enterprises are critical to Zimbabwe’s economy and must be supported in their transition to the formal sector.
“To navigate these complex economic challenges, it is essential for Zimbabwe’s business community to unite and speak with one voice.
“A unified business front strengthens our ability to influence policy decisions that support economic recovery and sustainable growth. Presenting a cohesive message enhances credibility and ensures that the concerns and proposals of the business community are taken seriously by policymakers,” EMCOZ president, Mr Demos Mbauya.
The government also noted the need for all employers to pull in one direction.
“I encourage all employer organisations to form an apex council, to represent the employer’s interest at home and on international platforms,” Minister of Labour and Social Welfare, Honourable July Moyo said.
The two-day EMCOZ Annual Conference will, among other things, make an overview of the state of the economy focusing on current fiscal and monetary policies and their impact on the economy; the case for establishing a resilient social contract and the role of social partners within a social contract.
