July 26, 2024, Mr. Coffi Agossou, the International Labour Organization (ILO) Africa's Deputy Regional Director (DRD), paid a courtesy visit to Ms. Jacqueline Mugo, EBS, Secretary-General of BUSINESSAfrica and the President of the International Organization of Employers (IOE).

Accompanying Mr. Agossou were Ms. Caroline Mugalla, Director of the ILO Country Office for Tanzania, Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, and Mr. Issac Kiema, ILO National Project Manager & ILO Social Partners Focal Person.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss ongoing collaborations and future plans between the ILO and BUSINESSAfrica.

In her opening remarks, Ms. Mugo congratulated Mr. Agossou on his role in the ILO's continued support towards advancing Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), enterprise development and Employer Business Member Organisations (EBMOs). Ms. Mugo emphasized the importance of advancing the Director-General's agenda of social justice and announced plans for a forthcoming Employers' Conference by BUSINESSAfrica.

Mr. Agossou first congratulated Ms. Mugo for her election as President of IOE. He also mentioned her significant contributions to employers at the national, regional, and global levels. He also discussed the need for UN reforms to integrate ILO strategies, allowing social partners to engage more effectively with the UN. He also vowed to strengthen members capacity on Africa region specific areas of concern.