By: Aminata Turay
The Vice President of Sierra Leone, Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, has called on African leaders and labour stakeholders to strengthen collaboration in promoting fair and inclusive employment systems across the continent.
He made the call during the 52nd Governing Council Meeting and High-Level Symposium of the African Regional Labour Administration Centre, held at the Mamba Point Lagoonda Hotel on 12 March 2026.
On behalf of President Julius Maada Bio and the people of Sierra Leone, the Vice President warmly welcomed ministers, labour administrators, and development partners from across Africa, noting that the country was honoured to host such an important regional gathering.
Focusing on the theme “Advancing Decent Work in the Platform Economy,” Vice President Jalloh emphasized that digital platforms are rapidly transforming the way people work. While these platforms create new opportunities for entrepreneurship and income generation, he stressed that governments must ensure the platform economy strengthens fairness, equity, and protection for workers rather than undermining labour standards.
He also highlighted the broader economic realities facing many African countries, including rising debt burdens, shifting global priorities, and declining development assistance. According to him, these pressures make it even more critical for African nations to strengthen their domestic economies, attract investment, and create sustainable employment opportunities for their growing populations.
With thousands of graduates entering the workforce each year across the continent, the Vice President underscored the urgency of preparing economies to absorb Africa’s youthful population. He expressed confidence that institutions like ARLAC will continue to provide the knowledge, policy guidance, and regional cooperation needed to help African countries navigate the evolving world of work while ensuring that decent jobs remain central to Africa’s development agenda.
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, highlighted that the symposium—held ahead of the council session—focused on the platform economy, describing it as a timely discussion as digitalisation continues to reshape the nature of work across Africa.
According to the Minister, experienced speakers from across the continent shared valuable insights that stimulated meaningful dialogue among participants on the opportunities and implications of the evolving digital labour market.
He emphasized that the discussions come at a critical time for African economies as governments work to balance the need to attract investment while protecting workers and promoting decent employment. He also expressed optimism that the ideas and recommendations emerging from the symposium and council meeting would help African countries strengthen cooperation and speak with a unified and influential voice on labour matters as the continent navigates the changing dynamics of the future of work.
Also addressing the gathering was Nomakhosazana Meth, Minister of Employment and Labour of South Africa. In her remarks, she highlighted both the opportunities and challenges facing labour administration across Africa.
She expressed gratitude to the Government and people of Sierra Leone, as well as Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, for the warm hospitality extended to delegates attending the meeting in Freetown.
Meth noted that the gathering comes at a critical moment when the world of work across the continent is rapidly evolving due to digitalisation, demographic shifts, and the persistent challenge of informality. She stressed that stronger collaboration among African countries is now more important than ever.
The Minister also raised concerns about the financial sustainability of ARLAC, urging member states to take collective responsibility for supporting the institution’s operations. She emphasized that the centre remains vital for strengthening labour institutions, protecting workers, and harmonising labour policies across the region.
Despite the financial pressures, she commended ARLAC for recent reforms, including the adoption of a new constitution and expanded training partnerships with institutions in Zambia and Kenya aimed at strengthening capacity-building efforts and preparing African labour administrations to respond more effectively to the future of work.
The Freetown symposium reinforced Africa’s commitment to collaboration, innovation, and the creation of decent work that will secure a fair and inclusive future for the continent’s workforce.