ILES explores digital readiness at upcoming National Annual Labour Conference

Sello Motseta

20^th April 2026

The Institute for Labour and Employment Studies today revealed it will convene a whole myriad of various stakeholders from government, employers and labour for the upcoming 5^th Annual Labour Conference towards the end of July 2026, with the theme ‘FUTURE READY: Labour Rights and Productivity in the Digital Revolution.’

Shandukani Hlabano, Executive Director for Institute for Labour and Employment Studies(ILES) said “In an era marked by rapid economic shifts, technological change, change in legislation and the evolving workplace dynamics, the need for structured, inclusive and constructive dialogues has never been greater.”

He said, “Social dialogue partners require a credible and consistent platform where ideas can be exchanged openly, challenges confronted honestly and solutions developed collectively. The Annual Labour Conference is intended to be precisely that platform.”

The Conference endeavours to ensure that fundamental rights and employment standards under the Employment and Labour Relations Act are consistently applied across all sectors, including emerging forms of work. It will also review the Employment and Labour Relations Act of 2025.

It covers thematic areas like fundamental rights, workplace protection and fair labour standards. It also looks at labour administration, organizational rights and data protection.

Hlabano said that through strengthened collaboration, the upcoming conference endeavours to be able to play an even more meaningful role in influencing policy discourse, informing practice and fostering mutual understanding among stakeholders.

The 5^th Annual Labour Conference is tentatively scheduled for 30^th to 31^st July 2026 at Ditshupo Hall, Fairground Holdings in Gaborone.