The Government of Sierra Leone has concluded the country’s first-ever National Labour Conference (NLC), hosted by the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Labour Congress and the Sierra Leone Employers’ Federation.
Held at the Miatta Conference Centre in Freetown from April 29 to May 1, 2025, the three-day event brought together government officials, labour unions, employers, development partners, and international experts to discuss critical issues affecting Sierra Leone’s labour market and workforce development.
In his keynote address on May 1, the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Rtd. Brig. Julius Maada Bio reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating decent jobs, expanding social security to the informal sector, and aligning labour reforms with national development goals. “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.
The President emphasised that his government is committed to reimagining the future of work in Sierra Leone, focusing on education, healthcare, and sustainable livelihoods, with a strong focus on integrating the informal sector into the formal economy. He also highlighted the need for digital transformation and workforce productivity, especially for the youth, and reiterated that investment in innovation and skills development is crucial to achieving national development goals.
Vice President, Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, launched the conference on April 30, describing it as a milestone in Sierra Leone’s social dialogue and labour transformation. He called for permanent platforms for tripartite consultations and emphasised the importance of ongoing reforms like the Employment Act.
“May Day should not only celebrate our achievements but also serve as a reminder of our progress, such as the Employment Act and other key policies, legislations, and initiatives that are shaping and improving the labour space in Sierra Leone,” he noted.
