Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. The Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security has announced its first National Labour Conference, titled “Shaping the Future of Work,” scheduled to take place from 29th April to 1st May, 2025, at the Miatta Conference Center in Freetown.
The conference would reportedly convene government representatives, trade unions, employers’ organisations, development partners, academia, and the private sector to discuss proactive strategies for the rapidly changing labour market.
Key topics for deliberation at the pending conference would include digital transformation, automation, climate change, demographic shifts, and the increasing need for green and decent jobs.
Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Hon. Mohamed Rahman Swaray described the conference as a transformative moment for the nation. He stated, “This conference is a landmark opportunity to shape a shared vision for the future of work in Sierra Leone, one that is inclusive, sustainable, and responsive to the aspirations of our people.”
The Ministry ent forward to highlight the conference’s alignment with President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s Big Five Game Changers agenda, which focuses on job creation and youth empowerment.
The Executive Secretary of the Sierra Leone Employers’ Federation, Albert Oju Collier, stressed the urgency of collective action in the face of global changes. “The world of work is evolving faster than ever,” he noted.
“As employers, we see this conference as a critical space to collaborate with government and labour to shape policies that foster innovation, attract investment, and ensure Sierra Leone’s workforce is equipped to compete regionally and globally,” he remarked.
The Secretary-General of the Sierra Leone Labour Congress, Max K Conteh, emphasized the importance of prioritizing human dignity in labour reforms. “This conference is not just a dialogue; it’s a platform to assert workers’ rights, promote gender equity, and safeguard the dignity of labour,” he stated, insisting that workers must remain protected and empowered as the labour landscape evolves.
Additionally, an Executive Member of the Employers’ Federation, Mr. Tamba A. Kokobaye, addressed job creation strategies tailored to new realities. He remarked, “This conference allows us to craft policies that support job creation in this changing environment, policies that align with digital transformation, sustainability, and youth entrepreneurship.”
The Deputy Director of Policy Planning and Research at the Ministry, Abu Bakarr Sillah, outlined the conference’s activities, stating, “During the conference, we will roll out a comprehensive timeline that includes technical sessions, sectoral breakouts, and consultations. The expected outcome is a resilient, adaptable workforce supported by enabling policies and strengthened labour institutions.”
The three-day event will feature keynote presentations, expert panels, technical sessions, and sectoral breakouts, culminating in a formal awards ceremony and an official dinner. The Ministry aimed for the conference to serve as a robust platform for inclusive decision-making, addressing global labour shifts and working towards a future that benefits all Sierra Leoneans.
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