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Finland has launched a new €10 million programme under the Finnish Trade Union Solidarity Centre (SASK) aimed at strengthening workers’ rights, promoting decent work, and advancing disability inclusion across 14 countries, including Zambia.
The SASK 2026–2029 Programme was launched on April 20, 2026, during an event held at Mikango Hotel in Lusaka by the Embassy of Finland in Zambia.
Embassy Advisor, Elizabeth Ndhlovu, said the initiative will support skills training, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship development for persons with disabilities, while also strengthening trade unions’ capacity to advocate for safer and more inclusive workplaces.
She noted that the programme aligns with Finland’s long-standing commitment to equality, human rights, and inclusive development.
“The initiative reflects Finland’s commitment to equality, human rights, and inclusive development, and will be implemented through 26 projects across 14 countries,” Ndhlovu said.
SASK Specialist Anna Perttula said the new programme is designed to enhance labour rights through coordinated, long-term interventions, even as SASK adjusts to funding constraints following a nearly 40 percent cut in support from the Finnish government.
Perttula explained that despite the funding reductions, SASK remains committed to supporting trade unions and advancing decent work.
“Zambia’s position as the largest programme country reflects its strategic importance in advancing labour rights and sectoral cooperation under the new cycle, which also includes South Africa as a key focus country,” she said.
She added that the 2026–2029 cycle prioritises climate change, just transition, gender equality, disability inclusion, and protection from workplace harassment, alongside increasing engagement with the private sector to promote responsible business practices.
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“SASK continues to work closely with Finnish trade unions, global union federations, and local partners to implement its programmes,” she said.
Meanwhile, Public Services International (PSI) Zambia Project Coordinator, Milimo Kapombe, said the previous “Advancing Workers’ Rights in Africa” programme recorded significant progress, including the strengthening of trade unions and the formalisation of Community Health Workers (CHWs).
Kapombe said key achievements included the development of training materials, advocacy tools, and policy frameworks supporting CHWs, as well as the recruitment of about 920 workers across seven provinces.
“Engagements with government contributed to the development of incentive guidelines for CHWs, and reaffirmed continued efforts to secure their recognition and protection,” he said.
With Zambia set to receive the largest share of SASK support under the new programme cycle, stakeholders expressed optimism that the initiative will deepen labour rights reforms and expand inclusive employment opportunities nationwide.
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