By Lans Kamara
Sierra Leone’s Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh on Thursday called for an inclusive approach to digital transformation, warning that gaps in infrastructure and access could leave many workers behind.
Speaking at the opening of the National Labour Conference and Social Dialogue 2026, held as part of International Workers’ Day celebrations, Jalloh said the theme, “Challenges and Opportunities of Decent Work in the Digital Era,” reflected urgent realities facing the country’s workforce.
He said digital platforms such as mobile money, e-commerce, artificial intelligence and remote work were creating new opportunities for innovation and job creation, but noted that Sierra Leone continued to face structural constraints.
These include limited digital infrastructure, high connectivity costs, unreliable electricity supply and a widening divide between urban and rural communities, he said.
Jalloh also highlighted that a large share of Sierra Leoneans — particularly young people and women — remain in the informal economy, where access to fair wages, social protection and safe working conditions is often lacking.
He called for targeted investments in digital skills training, affordable internet access and financial inclusion to ensure the transition to a digital economy generates “decent work opportunities for all”.
The vice president pointed to ongoing government efforts under President Julius Maada Bio’s “Big Five Game Changer” agenda, including infrastructure development, energy expansion and industrial growth.
He said initiatives such as the Mission 300 programme — which aims to increase electricity access to 80% by 2030 — alongside support for local manufacturing and import substitution, were key to boosting employment and economic resilience.
The conference brings together government officials, labour unions, employers and development partners to shape policy responses to the rapidly evolving world of work.
