MELSS, NASSIT Present Blueprint for Informal Sector Protection.

The Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security (MELSS), in collaboration with the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT), formally presented a national blueprint on Wednesday to extend social protection to workers in the informal sector.

Held at New England Ville in Freetown, the high-level meeting brought together senior officials from MELSS, NASSIT, and representatives from informal worker associations to review the proposed framework to integrate informal workers into the national labour and social security systems.

NASSIT Director General Mohamed Fuad Daboh unveiled a Voluntary Social Security Scheme for informal sector workers. The scheme includes flexible contributions and simplified registration processes.

“Our mission is to ensure that every working Sierra Leonean, regardless of sector, has access to dignity, security, and support,” Daboh stated, calling for strong partnerships and political will to drive implementation.

Minister of Employment Mohamed Rahman Swaray described the initiative as a “bold step” towards reducing inequality and building an inclusive social protection system. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s support and pledged to work with all stakeholders to ensure its successful rollout.

The blueprint outlines strategic actions, policy reforms, and stakeholder engagement plans to ensure broad coverage of informal workers, comprising a large portion of Sierra Leone’s workforce.

Permanent Secretary Joseph Tekman Kanu closed the meeting by highlighting the importance of collective ownership and sustained collaboration to move from policy to action.

“The success of this initiative depends on our collective will to deliver for those who need it most,” Kanu said.

The blueprint is expected to guide future labour and social protection reforms, marking a significant step toward formal recognition and support for informal sector workers in Sierra Leone.