Zacharia Jalloh, Strategic Communications Unit Ministry of Information and Civic Education
The Honourable Vice President of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, outlined the government’s bold initiatives to boost employment and equip citizens for the evolving labour market during the inaugural National Labour Conference at the Miatta Conference Center.
In his keynote address, Dr. Jalloh commended the Ministry of Employment, Labour, and Social Security for organizing the conference, an idea proposed during last year’s May Day celebrations to establish a platform for tripartite dialogue among government, employers, and workers.
“This platform aligns with our broader commitment to fostering structured discussions on the future of work,” the Vice President stated. “It reflects the principles of ILO Convention 144, ratified by 158 countries, which emphasizes collaboration between governments, workers, and employers to advance fair labour conditions and social justice.”
Dr. Jalloh highlighted the government’s Big Five Game Changers as a cornerstone of its job creation strategy, including expanding vocational training centres to upskill Sierra Leone’s workforce.
Since President Julius Maada Bio’s election in 2018, human capital development has been central to national progress. The Vice President noted that 9 out of 10 children are now enrolled in school. Over 11,000 teachers have been employed. Girls’ participation in STEM education has significantly increased and 22% of the national budget is allocated to education, underscoring the government’s commitment to workforce development.
The Vice President emphasized the Feed Salone Project, a flagship initiative to reduce Sierra Leone’s heavy reliance on food imports, which accounted for 23% of total imports (2016–2022). Recent data from the Central Bank shows food inflation declining from 23% to 21%, indicating early success.
“Agriculture holds immense potential for job creation,” Dr. Jalloh stated. “By encouraging private sector investment in farming, processing, and commercialization, we are building a sustainable pipeline for employment.”
He also announced the reclassification of tourism as a productive sector, citing its potential to generate jobs and increase revenue. “The Ministry of Tourism has developed a national action plan to fully harness this sector’s economic benefits,”* he added.
Following the Vice President’s opening remarks, six-panel sessions explored critical topics, including, Job creation strategies, the impact of artificial intelligence on employment, Ensuring decent work, fair wages, and workplace safety
The conference marks a significant step in institutionalizing labour reforms and fostering inclusive economic growth in Sierra Leone.
