Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. The Minister of Employment, Labour, and Social Security of Sierra Leone, Hon. Mohamed Rahman Swaray, has called for stronger global partnerships and innovative approaches to tackle informality in labour markets, particularly in developing countries.
He made this appeal while addressing the 113th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva, Switzerland, on Tuesday, June 10 2025.
Furthermore, delivering his official statement to the Conference, Hon. Swaray emphasised the critical need for global solidarity, technology-driven solutions, and political commitment to address informality, a challenge that affects over 80% of Sierra Leone’s workforce.
“Informality is not just a labour market characteristic in Sierra Leone; it is a reality for the majority of our people,” Minister Swaray told delegates, who included global leaders, labour organisations, employers, and civil society representatives. “From agriculture to small-scale industries, informality is both vibrant and precarious, leaving millions without social protection or access to opportunities available in the formal sector.”
The Minister also informed the conference about Sierra Leone’s recent national progress and successful hosting of its first-ever National Labour Conference, held just weeks ago. The landmark event brought together a broad coalition of stakeholders, government, workers’ unions, employers, civil society organisations, and international partners to chart the future of work in Sierra Leone. He stated.
Additionally, Minister Swaray outlined three key areas of intervention by the Government of Sierra Leone to tackle informality:
Strengthening Social Protection Systems: Sierra Leone is actively reforming its social security systems, especially targeting workers in the informal sector. Following an actuarial valuation in 2024, the country is expanding coverage through digital payment systems and simplified enrollment processes. “Social protection is not a privilege—it is a right and a catalyst for formalisation,” the Minister stated.
Leveraging Technology for Formalisation: Through digital platforms, e-registration systems for businesses, mobile-based tax filing, and social protection enrollment apps, Sierra Leone is creating pathways for informal workers and businesses to transition into the formal economy.
And Promoting Labour Rights and Standards: The government is working closely with the Sierra Leone Labour Congress and the Employers’ Federation to improve compliance with labour laws and standards. Strengthened labour inspection systems and public awareness campaigns form the core of this effort to ensure that formalisation brings dignity, equity, and opportunity, not exploitation.
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has been at the forefront of global efforts to promote decent work and social justice. The 113th ILC session comes at a critical time as economies worldwide are navigating post-pandemic recovery and accelerating efforts toward sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 8 on decent work and economic growth.
Sierra Leone’s interventions at the Conference reflect the country’s commitment to aligning national efforts with global labour priorities, especially in driving innovation for inclusive economic transformation.
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