By Godfrey Kenneth Beni
The proposed Bill will replace the existing Act and establish a social insurance model scheme, extending legal coverage to an estimated 4,271,923 employed persons. It is aligned with international labour standards, including International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention 102, on minimum social security standards.
The validation workshop was officiated by Ms. Nwazi Mnthambala, Secretary for Labour, Skills and Innovation, who commended the collaborative efforts of the government and social partners.
She noted that “The establishment of a Workers Compensation fund is long overdue… the revised Workers Compensation Law will contribute towards ensuring safety and promoting productivity of workers, which is key to achieving priorities of the Malawi 2063 vision”.
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Decent work also requires businesses to operate responsibly.
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In March 2026, the Ministry of Justice validated Malawi’s National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights.
Justice Minister Charles Mhango appealed that “workers in all sectors of employment in the country must have their rights respected by employers and their dignity preserved”.
The National Action Plan is structured around key pillars of the African Union Agenda 2063, including growth and sustainable development, good governance and respect for human rights, peace and security and the empowerment of Africa’s people.
So, what does decent work actually look like in practice? Here is a simple framework.
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For workers: Decent work means a written contract with clear terms. It means the legal minimum wage—or higher. It means rest days, annual leave, sick leave and maternity leave. It means a safe workplace, free from harassment and discrimination. It means social protection: health insurance, pension contributions and workers’ compensation. It means the right to join a trade union and bargain collectively.
For employers: Decent work means treating workers as assets, not costs. It means compliance with labour laws, even when enforcement is weak. It means investing in training, safety and productivity. It means recognising that a motivated, secure workforce produces better quality goods and services.
For government: Decent work means enforcing labour laws, not just writing them. It means providing resources for labour inspection and workers’ compensation. It means extending social protection to informal workers. It means creating an environment where formal employment can grow.
For trade unions: Decent work means organising workers in all sectors, including the informal economy. It means advocating for law reform and enforcement. It means supporting workers who face exploitation and discrimination.
Despite making some progress, several gaps remain.
Informal economy
Most Malawians work in the informal sector, without contracts, social protection or legal recourse. The Employment Act does not adequately cover them. Domestic workers, casual labourers, and market vendors are often invisible to the system.
Youth unemployment
The youth are the future of Malawi 2063. But half of young people are unemployed. Their main barriers are lack of adequate training, a mismatch between education and job requirements and lack of experience.
Job quality
Even among employed youths, most of them work in low-quality jobs. Decent work is not just about having a job; it is about having a good job.
Migrant workers
Four million Malawians work in South Africa without clear legal protection. The labour laws review should address this gap.
Workplace safety
The Workers’ Compensation Bill is a step forward, but workplace safety remains a challenge. Inspection offices are under-resourced. Enforcement is weak.
To Parliament: Pass the Workers’ Compensation Bill without delay. Amend the Employment Act to cover domestic workers and informal workers. Review the Pensions Act to extend coverage to all workers, regardless of employer size. Align Malawi’s laws with international labour standards and the aspirations of Malawi 2063.
To the Ministry of Labour: Complete the labour laws review. Publish the results. Consult widely. Allocate resources for enforcement. Publish annual reports on labour inspection and workers’ compensation. Ensure that the new laws are not just on paper but are implemented.
To Employers: Do not wait for the law to change. Adopt decent work practices now. Pay fairly. Provide safety. Respect rights. Invest in your workforce. It is not just the right thing to do; it is good for business. Productive workers build productive economies.
To Workers: Know your rights. Join a trade union. Speak up. If you are being exploited, file a complaint with the District Labour Officer. The law may be imperfect, but it still offers protection.
To Trade Unions: Organise. Advocate. Support. Reach out to informal workers, domestic workers and migrant workers.
Make your voice heard in the labour laws review.
To the Media: Investigate. Report on working conditions. Ask the hard questions. Hold power to account. Keep the spotlight on decent work.
Malawi 2063 is ambitious. It envisions a wealthy, self-reliant and inclusive nation. But that vision will remain a dream unless decent work becomes a reality.
Decent work means fair wages, safe conditions, social protection and the right to organise. It means treating workers with dignity. It means creating a productive, motivated workforce that can drive economic growth.
The labour laws review is underway. The Workers’ Compensation Bill is moving forward. The National Social Protection Policy has been launched. The National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights has been validated.
These are promising signs. But promises must become practice. Laws must be enforced. Workers must be protected.
The question is not whether the Malawi 2063 will succeed. The question is whether we— Parliament, government, employers, workers, unions, media, among others—will make it succeed.
Decent work is not a cost. It is an investment. In workers. In productivity. In the future of Malawi.
The Malawi 2063 vision is within reach—but only if we make decent work a reality for every Malawian.
*The author is a human resource practitioner
Feedback: kennethbeni35@ gmail.com
