By Mohamed Sheriff
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 passionate appeal while addressing the 113th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva, Switzerland, today.
Delivering Sierra Leone’s 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.”
Highlighting recent national progress, the Minister informed the conference about Sierra Leone’s 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.
At the centre of the discussions was the role of innovation and technology in transforming the country’s labour market. This aligns closely with the ILC’s 2025 theme of promoting innovative approaches to addressing informality worldwide.
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.
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.
While recognising Sierra Leone’s progress, the Minister was candid about the enormity of the challenge, emphasising that sustainable formalisation efforts require more than domestic action.
“Transitioning to formality is not just an economic necessity—it is a moral imperative,” he said, urging the international community to deepen support for developing nations, especially those in the Global South. Minister Swaray proposed greater investment in technology, skills development, institutional strengthening, and inclusive partnerships.
“Let us adopt measures to enhance the capacity of countries, especially in the Global South, to develop and implement innovative solutions. Together, we can create a future of work that is just, fair, and inclusive,” he concluded, earning nods of approval from many in attendance.
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.
As deliberations continue this week in Geneva, Sierra Leone’s position is clear: addressing informality is essential not only for economic resilience but for protecting the dignity of work and ensuring that no one is left behind.
