By: Saidu Jalloh
In a major boost to Sierra Leone’s professional profile, the country is set to host the 10th Annual Africa Public Sector Human Resource Managers Network (APS-HRMnet) Conference, which will bring together more than 700 human resource (HR) professionals from across the African continent.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Public Administration and Political Affairs (MoPAPA), Hon. Amara Kallon, during a recent engagement with HR officers at the Ministry of Finance Conference Hall in Freetown.
Describing the upcoming event as a historic milestone, Minister Kallon underscored the significance of the conference as a rare opportunity for local HR professionals to engage with peers, researchers, academics, government ministers, permanent secretaries, and public service leaders from across Africa.
“This conference is a vital professional collaboration aimed at redefining human resource practices in alignment with Africa’s evolving dynamics,” he stated.
According to the Minister, hosting the APS-HRMnet Conference presents an opportunity to reposition Sierra Leone’s HR sector, foster professional development, and build institutional credibility.
He expressed concern over the underutilization of HR officers in the public sector and called for increased investment in human capital, stressing that sustainable national development requires more than physical infrastructure it also depends on capable professionals managing systems effectively.
As part of the conference preparations, Minister Kallon proposed the establishment of a nationally and internationally recognized HR body. He encouraged collaboration between HR professionals in both the public and private sectors to develop a clearly defined HR career pathway.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It may take another 54 years before Sierra Leone gets to host this event again,” the Minister remarked, urging HR practitioners to take ownership and participate fully.
Minister Kallon reiterated his ministry’s commitment to providing political and strategic leadership for public service reform. He revealed that the country’s *Public Service Policy has already been validated and is now awaiting Cabinet approval.
Supporting the Minister’s vision, Mr. Ansu S. Tucker, Director General of the Human Resource Management Office (HRMO), explained that the APS-HRMnet Conference is designed to promote the exchange of ideas and best practices for strengthening public sector institutions across Africa.
He described APS-HRMnet as a continental umbrella organization focused on advancing HR standards and capacity building across the public sector, noting that Sierra Leone has been an active participant in previous conferences.
“Now is our time to host and contribute meaningfully to shaping HR in Africa,” DG Tucker stated.
He also revealed plans to establish a Sierra Leone Chapter of APS-HRMnet, ensuring sustained national representation and integration into the broader African and global HR community.
As preparations gain momentum, anticipation is growing among professionals across the country. The 10th APS-HRMnet Conference is poised to be a transformative event for Sierra Leone’s public administration, offering a platform to elevate the country’s HR systems and contribute to the continent’s future of work.