Gilbert Houngbo, the Togolese labour minister who became the first African to head the International Labour Organization (ILO) in 2022, is running for a second term as the organisation’s chief. He is backed by the African Union, which has campaigned to keep him in office amid a severe budgetary crisis that has strained the ILO’s finances. Houngbo’s initial appointment followed a coordinated effort by African governments to secure a permanent African presence at the ILO. Four years later, he faces two challengers: a candidate from Spain and another from Peru. The election will determine whether the African Union can again rally sufficient support to retain Houngbo in the role. The ILO’s leadership election is scheduled for early 2026. While Houngbo has defended his record, citing progress on labour standards and social protection, critics point to the organisation’s financial difficulties as a key concern. The outcome will shape the ILO’s direction on global employment issues and its ability to address emerging labour challenges in the post‑pandemic era.
Article source: JeuneAfrique | Image credit: JeuneAfrique