In a press briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Freetown, on October 17, 2023, the Minister of Labor, Employment, and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, reiterated President Julius Maada Bio’s unwavering determination to fulfill his pledge of generating 500,000 job opportunities within a five-year timeframe as outlined in his ‘Big Five’ manifesto objectives.
Minister Swaray, speaking during the government’s weekly press conference, emphasized the critical nature of addressing youth unemployment as a matter of national security, which propelled job creation to the forefront of President Bio’s transformative agenda.
He highlighted the President’s success in positioning Sierra Leone as an attractive investment destination, thanks to its abundant pool of young, motivated workers.
Swaray underscored the government’s belief that facilitating foreign direct investment and promoting the private sector’s growth are essential for boosting employment figures.
He stressed, “Governments are responsible for creating a conducive environment that enables private sector development and job creation.”
The Employment Minister advocated for a robust, dependable, and resilient private sector capable of generating employment opportunities. He acknowledged the global importance of digital jobs in the modern age and shared the government’s significant investments in digital infrastructure to harness this potential.
Minister Swaray called upon citizens to contribute to the job recovery process, enabling the government to achieve its ambitious goal of creating half a million jobs within five years.
He urged employers to prioritize hiring Sierra Leonean nationals for positions ranging from shopkeepers to mine workers, aligning with the country’s labor laws.
Additionally, Swaray revealed that his ministry had presented a proposal to address outdated labor laws before the cabinet, collaborating with partners such as the Sierra Leone Labor Congress and the Sierra Leone Employers Federation to review and enhance labor regulations, ultimately safeguarding local job opportunities.
Concluding his address, the Minister encouraged private sector employers to meet their NaSSIT (National Social Security and Insurance Trust) contribution obligations for employees, ensuring dignified retirement for the workforce.
