Kenya Strengthening the links between sector and central employers organisations in Africa

Unlike in Europe, the employers organisations landscape in Africa puts far less accent on the sector level. Sector associations exist, but the interlinkage with the central organisations is weak. And many sectors associations are not very active in advocacy, lobbying, social dialogue or services. As such, the opportunities linked with the sector level associations, such as the capacity to advance specific sector issues, and to be close to company members, are not seized, and affect adversely the strength of the employers movement.

The workshop which DECP held for 7 African employers organisations focused on reinforcing sector associations, by creating capacity in lobbying and communication within the central organisations , which will then train their sector associations.  It will allow sector associations to develop, in clear articulation with central employers organisations their own sector specific activities in advocacy, lobbying and communication. The workshop was also an occasion to have a broader discussion on the strategies which can be developed for a stronger integration and collaboration between the different layers off the employers movement (sector – central).

The action plans made at the end of the course confirm the intention of the central organisation to boost training with sector associations, and to change also governance rules, so that sector associations have a more recognized role with the central organisations.