In an effort to support the productivity movement in Africa, the APO participated in the workshop on Productivity and Social Dialogue in Africa in Nazareth, Ethiopia, 13−15 May 2009, by deputing APO Expert Kelvin Chan. The workshop, jointly organized by the African Union (AU) and International Labor Organisation (ILO), aimed to formulate and adopt a framework on the African Productivity Programme 2009–2012 and Social Dialogue Guidelines for Africa. Discussions centered on sharing experiences and best practices among national and international representatives including the organizing bodies and the Pan African Productivity Association (PAPA). A speech on behalf of Secretary-General Shigeo Takenaka was delivered at the opening session by Chan.

Please click here to see the full speech of Secretary-General Shigeo Takenaka.

The APO launched its African Program, with special funding from the Government of Japan, in 2006. Since then, various initiatives have been undertaken to disseminate the productivity movement in Africa. The APO has been working in close collaboration with PAPA. This workshop demonstrates that the AU is now committed to a long-term approach to productivity improvement together with PAPA and the ILO. Chan, who has been involved in the APO’s African Program as an expert, shared the Asian-Pacific experience in the productivity movement with workshop participants and joined the discussion on establishing a framework on the African Productivity Programme 2009–2012.