TrustAfrica has commended Zambia for introducing the New Decent Work Guidelines for the cotton sub-sector, recognising the significance of this development in advancing labour rights and fair workplace conditions.
TrustAfrica’s Southern Africa Programme Officer Beatrice Makwenda expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts that led to this achievement.
She noted that TrustAfrica, alongside its partner Solidaridad, worked closely with stakeholders to define policy priorities aimed at strengthening farmers’ capacities and ensuring meaningful civil society engagement.
Ms Makwenda explained how TrustAfrica’s involvement in the Reclaim Sustainability! Programme, implemented since 2021, has played a critical role in addressing key challenges in the sector.
She described the initiative as a platform for fostering dialogue among farmers, industry representatives, regulators, and policymakers.
Ms Makwenda observed that discussions within the programme have shaped key priorities for Zambia’s cotton sector, bringing issues such as fair wages, workplace safety, and protective measures for workers exposed to chemicals into sharper focus.
She highlighted the value of multi-stakeholder engagement in formulating policy recommendations and strategies that drive sustainability.
Ms Makwenda expressed confidence that the guidelines, once put into practice, will transform the sector.
She envisioned a future where cotton production, textile industry development, and farmer-worker relations are governed by progressive principles.
Ms Makwenda described the guidelines not merely as a document but as a blueprint for a new way of conducting business—one that promotes inclusivity and ethical practices.
She reaffirmed TrustAfrica’s commitment to ensuring that sustainability efforts translate into tangible improvements in working conditions and economic opportunities across Zambia’s cotton industry.
