The Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, has called on African leaders to ensure that the rapidly expanding digital platform economy promotes fairness, dignity, and protection for workers across the continent on 12th March 2026.
Speaking at the 52nd Governing Council Meeting of the African Regional Labour Administration Centre in Freetown, which brought together Labour and Employment Ministers from across Africa, the Vice President emphasized the need for adaptability in a rapidly changing global economic landscape.
He noted that as Africa continues to face economic headwinds, governments must build resilient labour markets through strategic investments in skills development, competitiveness, and productive sectors. According to him, human capital development remains the foundation for enabling young people to drive sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
Vice President Jalloh also highlighted the importance of hosting international gatherings in Sierra Leone, noting that such visits allow delegates to experience the country firsthand and become ambassadors who share its story across the continent.
He further stated that meetings like the ARLAC Governing Council provide valuable opportunities for countries to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships, and collectively address regional labour challenges, particularly at a time when shifting geopolitical dynamics are reshaping global interests.
Reflecting on Sierra Leone’s progress, the Vice President recalled the country’s *first National Labour Conference held in 2025 under the theme “Shaping the Future of Work: Innovation, Digital Transformation, and Just Transition.” The conference brought together government representatives, employers, and workers to discuss strategies for employment creation, workforce readiness, and resilience in the digital era.
He noted that the focus of the current ARLAC High-Level Symposium on “Advancing Decent Work in the Platform Economy” is timely, as digital platforms continue to reshape employment across Africa creating opportunities for entrepreneurship while also raising concerns about fairness, security, and sustainability.
The Vice President reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to ensuring that innovation and digital transformation go hand in hand with the protection of workers’ rights and the promotion of decent work. He also praised ARLAC for its longstanding role in strengthening labour governance and fostering cooperation among African countries, expressing confidence that the deliberations would produce meaningful outcomes for the region.
Chairperson of the ARLAC Governing Council and South Africa’s Minister for Employment and Labour, Nomakhosazana Meth, commended Sierra Leone for hosting the meeting and praised the warm hospitality extended to delegates.
However, she cautioned that the organization faces serious financial challenges, revealing that only four of ARLAC’s eighteen member states have paid their 2026 membership contributions.
“The vision of a self-reliant ARLAC can only be secured through concrete action and the prompt settlement of obligations,” Meth said, noting that unpaid contributions from some member states have surpassed one million US dollars.
Despite the financial pressures, she said ARLAC continues to strengthen its institutional framework through governance reforms and new partnerships aimed at expanding its training and capacity-building programmes across Africa.
Meanwhile, the Assistant Director-General and Regional Director for Africa at the International Labour Organization, Fanfan Rwanyindo Kayirangwa, stressed that effective labour administration systems are essential for economic growth and social stability on the continent.
She acknowledged that digital platforms are creating employment opportunities for many young people and women but warned that the lack of proper regulation could expose workers to exploitation.
“Flexibility without protection is not decent work,” Kayirangwa said, noting that many platform workers face unstable incomes, unclear employment status, and limited access to social protection.
She revealed that the upcoming International Labour Conference in June 2026 will consider proposed global labour standards for the platform economy and urged African countries to develop a unified position on the matter.
Discussions during the ARLAC meeting are expected to explore how governments can develop policies that support innovation while protecting workers’ rights, expanding social protection systems, and strengthening labour institutions across Africa.
For Sierra Leone, hosting the meeting marks a significant moment of regional leadership, bringing together some of Africa’s most influential labour policymakers in a city whose history is deeply tied to the ideals of freedom and human dignity.
