ILO Charts Path to Fair Labour Migration Governance in West Africa with High-Level Workshop.
By Raymond Enoch
In a significant stride towards equitable labour migration, the International Labour Organization (ILO) convened a pivotal Sub-Regional Tripartite Capacity-Building Workshop from May 19 to 21, 2025, in Grand-Bassam, Côte d’Ivoire. This landmark event brought together 38 participants from government bodies, employers’ and workers’ organizations across Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, and Guinea, aiming to fortify regional cooperation and establish a robust framework for fair labour migration governance.
The workshop, under the auspices of the ILO’s AGRIDOM and FMM West Africa II projects, focused on several key objectives:
Fostering Tripartite Dialogue: Strengthening collaboration among governments, employers, and workers to ensure inclusive and fair labour migration policies.
Aligning Policies with International Standards: Promoting the ratification and implementation of ILO Conventions 97, 143, 181, and 189, ensuring that national policies reflect international labour standards.
Gender-Sensitive Governance: Emphasizing the integration of gender considerations into migration policies, ensuring equal protection and opportunities for all migrant workers.
Establishing a Permanent Platform: Laying the groundwork for a sustainable sub-regional tripartite platform to continuously address and manage labour migration issues.
Noëlie Kotty, National Project Coordinator at the ILO, expressed her gratitude towards the dedicated participants and partners, stating, “Together, we are shaping a fairer and more inclusive future for labour mobility in West Africa.” This initiative underscores the region’s commitment to transforming migration into an avenue for opportunity, equity, and dignity for all.
As West Africa continues to navigate the complexities of labour migration, this workshop marks a pivotal moment in aligning national policies with international standards, ensuring that the rights and welfare of migrant workers are upheld, and fostering regional solidarity for sustainable development.
