Freetown, May 2, 2025 — Sierra Leone has successfully concluded its first-ever National Labour Conference (NLC), marking a historic moment in the country’s labour sector. Hosted by the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security in partnership with the Sierra Leone Labour Congress and the Sierra Leone Employers’ Federation, the three-day event brought together policymakers, labour unions, employers, development partners and international experts at the Miatta Conference Centre in Freetown.
Running from April 29 to May 1, the conference focused on reshaping the country’s labour landscape, enhancing job creation, and ensuring social protection for workers—especially those in the informal sector.
Speaking on May Day, President Julius Maada Bio reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating decent jobs and expanding the reach of social security. “May 1 is more than just a holiday—it is a reflection of our collective recognition of the sweat, sacrifice, and silent heroism of our workers,” he said in his keynote address.
The President emphasized the importance of integrating the informal economy, promoting digital transformation, and building a workforce equipped for innovation. “We are reimagining the future of work in Sierra Leone by focusing on education, healthcare and sustainable livelihoods,” he said.
Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, who officially opened the conference on April 30, described the event as a milestone in Sierra Leone’s labour reform journey. “May Day should not only celebrate our achievements but also serve as a reminder of our progress,” he said, pointing to reforms such as the new Employment Act.
A key highlight of the conference was the launch of the Sierra Leone Labour Market Information System (SL-LMIS), a new digital platform designed to track job creation and labour market trends. Developed by the Ministry’s ICT department and presented by Project Lead Abu Bakarr Tamu, the SL-LMIS is already tracking over 145,000 jobs created through institutions such as NASSIT and NaCSA.
Accessible at https://viz.moelss.gov.sl, the platform allows employers to post job vacancies and manage applications while providing job seekers with tools to create CVs and apply for jobs online. It also offers detailed labour market data to support policy decisions and planning.
Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, hailed the conference as a turning point for labour in Sierra Leone. “Too many Sierra Leoneans still work without access to fair wages or social protection, but we are not on the sidelines—we are acting,” he said.
The Minister stressed the need for collaboration between government, employers, workers and development partners. He also underscored the importance of aligning Sierra Leone’s workforce with global trends, including automation and artificial intelligence. “Let us build a resilient, innovative, and inclusive workforce where work is dignified, wages are fair, rights are protected, and opportunities are shared,” he urged.
Throughout the conference, delegates engaged in expert-led discussions and panels on key topics including:
• Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Work
• Aligning Education and Training with Market Demands
• Promoting Entrepreneurship and Volunteerism for Economic Growth
• Strengthening Partnerships for Job Creation
The conference ended with an awards ceremony recognizing individuals and institutions for their contributions to labour law compliance, innovation, capacity building, and promotion of decent work.
As Sierra Leone moves forward with ambitious job creation goals—including the target of 500,000 jobs by 2028—the outcomes of the National Labour Conference are expected to shape national policies and strengthen the country’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable labour reforms.
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By Jane Cole
