Freetown, 30 April 2025 – Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, has called on employers across Sierra Leone to uphold labour standards and provide decent working conditions. His call came during the opening of Sierra Leone’s first-ever National Labour Conference at the Miatta Conference Centre in Freetown.
The historic conference, themed “Shaping the Future of Work: Innovation, Technology, and Just Transition,” brought together government officials, social partners, industry leaders, and development partners to address the shifting employment landscape in the country.
Minister Swaray thanked the Sierra Leone Labour Congress, the Sierra Leone Employers’ Federation, his Ministry’s staff, sponsors, and development partners for supporting the initiative. He highlighted both the promises and perils of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, especially in relation to automation, job displacement, and the growing skills gap.
“As a Ministry, we are fully committed to championing a Just Transition—one that ensures no worker is left behind, upholds decent work, fair wages, social protection, and respect for workers’ rights,” he said.
He stressed the importance of inclusive policies that leave no one behind. “We must ensure that no worker is excluded. We must uphold decent work and respect for workers’ rights,” he added.
The Minister emphasized the need to align skills development with market demands, encouraging partnerships between education providers and industry stakeholders. “We must invest in continuous learning, digital literacy, and innovation. Our policies must be grounded in the lived realities of workers—from bustling urban centers to the most remote communities,” he said.
Calling for bold and practical solutions, Minister Swaray urged attendees to see the conference as a platform for progress. “This gathering must spark bold ideas and actionable solutions,” he stated. “We cannot allow it to become just another talk shop.”
He concluded by describing the event as a critical opportunity to forge a new social compact between government, workers, employers, and partners—one tailored to Sierra Leone’s development path.
