International Training Centre Workshop on the establishment of Sector Skills Bodies (SSBs)

The ITCILO, ACTEMP, the ILO Skills Department and the Federation of Kenyan Employers (FKE) organized a workshop to discuss the establishment of Sector Skills Bodies in seven countries, namely Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Lesotho, Rwanda and the Seychelles. 

The workshop took place in Nairobi, Kenya from the 14th-15th May and aimed to tackle three pertinent questions: what SSBs are, why they are important and how to establish them. The participants of the event acknowledged the establishment of SSBs as a potential solution to skills mismatches, youth unemployment and a lack of productivity within the labour market. Further, they agreed that a multistakeholder approach bringing together industry associations, employers, workers organizations, relevant government bodies and academic institutions would be most effective in the realisation of SSBs.

The meeting heard the importance of focusing on sectors that align with development priorities and offer significant employment opportunities.

When discussing the risks associated with establishing Sector Skills Bodies (SSBs), Kennedy Edward Mollel, CEO of the Hotels Association of Tanzania (HAT), identified five key challenges: “Firstly, setting up these bodies is time-consuming, requiring extensive engagement with key partners and navigating various legislative processes. Secondly, there are significant cost implications, raising questions about whether employers, the government, or employees will bear these costs. Thirdly, there is often a lack of expertise within specific sectors. Then, a lack of political will can hinder progress. Finally, there is a risk of insufficient resources and funding, both in terms of financial support and human capital”.

The workshop brought together international experts, private sector representatives, government officials, industry associations, and Employer and Business Membership Organisations (EBMOs) to share best practices from countries that have successfully established Sector Skills Bodies (SSBs) and to discuss the current state of SSBs in the represented countries. 

The seven countries have now developed national roadmaps to establish SSBs over the coming months.