In a strong display of leadership at the 2026 National Labour Conference, Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh signaled a decisive shift in Sierra Leone’s economic strategy moving the nation from an era of planning to one focused on action and measurable results.
Addressing a packed audience of workers, union leaders, and private sector employers at the Miatta Conference Centre, the Vice President positioned Sierra Leonean workers as the central force behind national transformation. The event, themed “Building Workers’ Power for Sierra Leone’s Transformative Agenda,” served both as a review of recent achievements and a roadmap for the country’s digital future.
In his keynote speech, Dr. Jalloh rejected the traditional notion of labor as a passive recipient of aid. “The real engine of Sierra Leone’s transformation is not foreign investment or government planning; it is the millions of workers who show up every day to build this country,” he stated.
He emphasized that under the current administration, workers have been elevated to a central role in national development. “Workers are not beneficiaries; they are the architects of development,” he added.
The Vice President highlighted several policy achievements since 2018 that have directly improved citizens’ lives:
Minimum Wage Increase: The national minimum wage has been raised to NLe 1,200, representing a 66% increase from previous levels. Inclusion of the Informal Sector: The government is expanding social protection to market women, artisans, and fishermen groups long overlooked by the formal economy. Gender Equity:The administration reaffirmed its commitment to equal pay for equal work and improving financial access for women-led businesses.
Looking ahead, Dr. Jalloh underscored the importance of embracing the digital economy. He noted that technology is already creating new opportunities, particularly for young people.
“Opportunity without protection is ‘cheap exposure,’” he warned, stressing the need for fair wages and safeguards as Sierra Leoneans engage with global digital platforms. He described investments in vocational training and digital skills as a core economic strategy rather than a social initiative.
The Vice President concluded by calling for stronger collaboration among government, employers, and labor unions. He urged employers to see workforce development as an investment, not a cost, while assuring citizens that the government remains committed to delivering on its promises.
“Sierra Leoneans are not waiting any longer,” he said. “2026 is the year we move from intention to execution and from promise to proof.”