Employment Ministry to convene Inaugural National Labour Conference on “Shaping the Future of Work”

- In a bold move to redefine Sierra Leone’s labour landscape, the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security has announced the inaugural National Labour Conference, “Shaping the Future of Work,” to be held from April 29 to May 1, 2025, at the Miatta Conference Center in Freetown.

The high-level, tripartite conference will bring together representatives from government, trade unions, employers’ organisations, development partners, academia, and the private sector to discuss strategic responses to the rapidly evolving world of work. Central topics will include digital transformation, automation, climate change, demographic changes, and the rising demand for green and decent jobs.

The conference is a cornerstone of President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s Big Five Game Changers agenda, particularly focusing on job creation, youth empowerment, and social protection.

Hon. Mohamed Rahman Swaray, Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, described the event as a transformative national moment:

“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. It also speaks directly to the Big Five Game Changers commitment of His Excellency, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, particularly in job creation and youth empowerment. We must prepare our workforce for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow by investing in skills, promoting decent work, and strengthening social dialogue.”

Albert Oju Collier, Executive Secretary of the Sierra Leone Employers’ Federation, emphasised the pace of global change and the need for collective action:

“The world of work is evolving faster than ever before—with automation, green jobs, and digital economies redefining how and where we work. 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. The future of work must be about opportunity, resilience, and shared growth.”

Speaking on behalf of the Sierra Leone Labour Congress, Max K Conteh, Secretary-General, underscored the need to centre human dignity in labour reforms:

“As we prepare for the future of work, we must place people at the centre of every policy decision. This conference is not just a dialogue—it’s a platform to assert workers' rights, promote gender equity, and safeguard the dignity of labour. Our commitment is to ensure that the transformation ahead leaves no one behind, and that workers remain protected, empowered, and equipped to thrive in a changing world.”

Mr. Tamba A. Kokobaye , an Executive Member who represented the Employers’ Federation at the Press conference, spoke specifically on job creation in the new realities:

“As employers, we recognise that the future of work cannot be approached with old solutions. We are seeing new industries emerge and traditional sectors being redefined. 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. We must intentionally create pathways for meaningful employment in both urban and rural Sierra Leone.”

Abu Bakarr Sillah, Deputy Director of Policy Planning and Research at the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security, presented the roadmap and activities proposed during the conference:

“The future of work requires deliberate planning and inclusive execution. During the conference, we will roll out a comprehensive activities timeline that includes technical sessions, sectoral breakouts, and consultations. These will feed into a national roadmap that outlines actionable steps toward creating future-ready employment frameworks. The expected outcome is a resilient, adaptable workforce supported by enabling policies and strengthened labour institutions.”

The three-day event will include keynote presentations, expert panels, technical working sessions, and sectoral breakouts. It will culminate in a formal award ceremony and an official dinner, with outcomes intended to shape a national roadmap for inclusive labour practices aligned with Sierra Leone’s development goals and international labour standards.

The Ministry sees this conference not just as a conversation, but as a national platform for inclusive decision-making in the face of global labour shifts, ushering in a future of work that works for all.