GOVERNMENT has reaffirmed its position as a regional leader in promoting safe and orderly labour migration.
The remarks were made by Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage minister Kazembe Kazembe while officially opening the Migration Dialogue for Southern Africa (MIDSA) in Victoria Falls.
The meeting was held under the theme Promoting Regional Integration Through Sustainable, Safe, Regular and Orderly Migration in Southern Africa.
“Zimbabwe continues to demonstrate leadership in promoting safe, regular and orderly labour migration within the southern Africa region under the framework of MIDSA,” Kazembe said.
He described the platform as a “cornerstone for regional co-operation on migration governance,” fostering dialogue and the exchange of best practices among Sadc member States.
“It reinforces our shared commitment to harnessing migration for regional integration, economic development and social protection for all our people,” he added.
Kazembe highlighted Zimbabwe’s hosting of the Sadc Ministers of Employment and Labour meeting in Victoria Falls in March 2025, where member States reaffirmed their dedication to decent work, protection of migrant workers and formalisation of informal economies.
“Zimbabwe has made significant progress in strengthening its labour migration governance framework through the implementation of the National Labour Migration Policy and the ongoing review of the National Employment Policy.”
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Kazembe also highlighted a critical link between migration and climate change, noting its growing impact on the region.
“We cannot discuss migration without acknowledging the growing impact of climate change.
“Across our region, communities are increasingly being displaced by floods, droughts, cyclones and other climate-related disasters.”
He underscored the importance of harnessing the potential of young people and recognising the role of women in migration.
Citing International Labour Organisation estimates, Kazembe stated that over 160 million international migrant workers make essential contributions to receiving economies by filling gaps resulting from labour shortages in critical sectors like healthcare, agriculture and construction.
Unicef deputy regional director, Alison Parker, highlighted the financial stakes for African governments, which spend nearly US$180 billion annually on health and education.
“Yet too often, these investments fail to withstand the shocks of the climate crisis and children are the ones paying the price,” Parker said.
“Climate-resilient investments are not a side agenda or additional cost, but are central to how we plan, budget and deliver for children.”
