The Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security has announced the convening of the Inaugural National Labour Conference on the theme “Shaping the Future of Work,” scheduled to take place from 29 April to 1 May 2025 at the Miatta Conference Center, Freetown.
Research Officer in the Ministry of Labour, Abubakarr Sillah, explained how the conference would look like, noting that the high-level tripartite conference will bring together key stakeholders from government, employers’ organisations, trade unions, development partners, academia, and the private sector to explore strategic responses to emerging trends impacting the world of work. These include digital transformation, automation, climate change, demographic shifts, and the increasing demand for green and decent jobs.
Delivering on His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s Big Five Game Changers agenda, the conference will serve as a national platform to shape inclusive labour policies and forward-looking employment strategies that support economic transformation, youth empowerment, and social protection.
Hon. Mohamed Rahman Swaray, Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, emphasised that the 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, added:
“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.”
Max K Conteh, Secretary-General of the Sierra Leone Labour Congress, also remarked: “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.”
The conference will feature keynote presentations, expert panel discussions, technical sessions, and sectoral breakouts. It will also feature an award ceremony and an official dinner. Its outcomes will inform a national roadmap for future-ready employment and labour practices aligned with Sierra Leone’s development goals and international labour standards.