Date: 30th April – 1st May 2025

Theme: “Shaping the Future of Work: Innovation, Digital Transformation and Just transition”

Introduction

The National Labour Conference 2025 is an essential initiative by the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security and its social partners, i.e. the Sierra Leone Employers’ Federation and Sierra Leone Labour Congress. This conference aims to explore the future of work in Sierra Leone. The high-profile event will bring together prominent personalities, policymakers, and industry experts to facilitate knowledge exchange, analyze labor market trends, and design forward-thinking policies to keep pace with the rapid transformations in the world of work such as artificial intelligence.

As the nation progresses towards sustainable economic development, the conference will serve as a collaborative platform for government ministries, departments, agencies, private sector entities, and organizations from both formal and informal economies. It will engage international and local partners, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), multinational companies, development agencies, academic and training institutions to share strategies, showcase commitments, and align efforts in achieving the Government’s Medium-term National Development Plan (MtNDP 2024-2030) on job creation. By coinciding with the International Workers’ Day celebrations, the event will also integrate a global perspective, emphasizing the universal significance of labour and its role in national development.

General Objective

To convene key stakeholders to discuss and develop actionable strategies for the future of work in Sierra Leone, fostering an innovative and sustainable labour market and to celebrate the significance of labour while providing a platform for job seekers and employers to connect.

Specific Objectives

1.Assess the current state of the labour market and identify emerging trends and challenges.

2.Highlight the role of technology and innovation in shaping the future of work.

3.Promote policies and practices that support workplace inclusion and equity.

4.Encourage collaboration between public, private, and academic institutions to drive workforce development.

5.Raise awareness about the importance of labour market data and digital tools.

6.Address climate change and just transition.

7.Promote labour rights and advocacy.

8.Recognise the significance of labour.

9.Align with National and Global Goals.

10.Strengthen media engagement.

Event Overview

The conference will feature keynote speeches, presentations, job fair, panel discussions, and other dynamic sessions. Participants will include policymakers, labour experts, employers, union representatives, jobseekers, media practitioners, academics and civil society organisations. The event will serve as a platform for sharing best practices and forging partnerships to advance Sierra Leone’s labour market.

Event Components

1.Panel Discussions: Focused conversations on topics such as the impact of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies on the future of work in Sierra Leone, embracing digital transformation in the workplace, just transition for an inclusive workforce, demographic shifts in labor markets, bridging the skills gap, and strategies to empower youth and promote green jobs, strengthening labor rights in a transforming economy, policy and regulatory frameworks for the future of work, leveraging public-private partnerships for workforce development, gender equity in the future of work, the role of education and training in shaping the workforce, strengthening social protection systems for a changing workforce.

2.Innovation and Technology Showcase: Exhibitions highlighting cutting-edge tools and practices that can transform the labour market and enhance productivity.

3.Job Fair: A platform for job seekers and employers to connect, showcasing available opportunities and facilitating live demonstrations of digital tools.

4.Labour Day Celebration: Activities including a Labour Day march, speeches, and cultural performances to celebrate the contributions of Sierra Leone’s workforce.

5.Launch of the National Volunteerism Policy: Presentation and unveiling of the National Volunteerism Policy, emphasising its role in fostering youth and community engagement and workforce development.

6.Launch of the National Labour Magazine: Introducing a dedicated publication to provide insights, updates, and success stories from Sierra Leone’s labour market.

7.Awards Ceremony and Dinner: Recognising outstanding contributions to the labour market, fostering networking in a formal and celebratory setting.

8.Media and Digital Engagement Campaign: develop animations, TV and radio talk shows, and social media content on the future of work and labour rights.

Expected Outcomes

• Enhanced understanding of labour market trends and the future of work.
• Development of actionable recommendations to address workforce challenges.
• Strengthened collaboration between stakeholders in the labour sector.
• Increased adoption of digital tools for workforce planning and development.

Outputs

• A conference report with key findings and recommendations.
• Increased engagement with digital tools among stakeholders.
• Policy briefs highlighting actionable steps for workforce transformation.
• Successful launch of the National Volunteerism Policy and Labour Magazine.

Beneficiaries

• Employers seeking insights into future workforce trends.
• Job seekers, particularly youth and vulnerable groups, accessing improved employment opportunities.
• Policymakers and educational institutions using labour market insights for planning and development.
• The general public benefiting from a more inclusive and innovative labour market.

Event Alignment

The initiative aligns with the Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) by promoting youth employment, digital transformation, and workplace inclusion. It also supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.
• SDG 5: Gender Equality.

Conclusion

The National Labour Market Conference 2025 presents a unique opportunity to shape the future of work in Sierra Leone. By addressing critical labour market issues and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, the conference will contribute to building an innovative, inclusive, and resilient workforce. This initiative is aligned with national development goals and international standards, ensuring that Sierra Leone remains competitive in a rapidly evolving global economy.