By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, has urged member states of the International Labour Organization (ILO) to adopt a human-centred approach to Artificial Intelligence (AI), stressing that technological advancement must promote decent work and social justice rather than deepen inequality.
The Minister made the call while addressing the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, on Wednesday, 10 June 2026, under the theme: “A Moment of Choice: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Decent Work.”
Speaking at the global gathering, Mohamed Rahman Swaray described AI as more than a technological issue, noting that it is fundamentally a matter of development, employment and social justice. He cautioned that Africa cannot afford a growing digital divide, either within individual countries or between nations.
The Minister highlighted Sierra Leone’s increasing role in advancing labour governance across the continent, pointing to the country’s successful hosting of the 52nd African Regional Labour Administration Centre (ARLAC) Governing Council Meeting and High-Level Symposium in Freetown. The event brought together labour Ministers, experts and social partners from 13 African countries to discuss key labour and employment issues. He also referenced the Second National Labour Conference and Social Dialogue Forum held during this year’s May Day celebrations.
Mohamed Rahman Swaray outlined a number of labour reforms being implemented under the administration of President Julius Maada Bio. Those include a 50 percent increase in the national minimum wage from Le 800 to Le 1,200, which took effect in April 2026, the full operationalization of a digital work permit system in January 2026 and ongoing efforts to establish an Informal Sector Social Security Scheme aimed at extending pension and social protection benefits to self-employed workers.
He further disclosed that Cabinet has approved a new Data Protection and Right to Access Information Bill, describing it as a significant step towards strengthening governance, safeguarding citizens’ rights and preparing the country for an increasingly digital future.
While acknowledging that AI presents significant opportunities for youth entrepreneurship, e-commerce and remote work, the Minister warned that unequal access to internet connectivity, digital devices and digital skills training could further widen existing inequalities. He also expressed concern over issues such as worker surveillance, algorithmic bias, data privacy and potential job losses resulting from automation.
Concluding his address, Mohamed Rahman Swaray called for stronger international cooperation and the development of a renewed social contract that places people at the centre of technological progress.
“Artificial intelligence cannot and must not replace our commitment to human dignity,” the Minister stated, reaffirming Sierra Leone’s commitment to working closely with the ILO and international partners to ensure that technological innovation advances workers’ rights and leaves no one behind.
The Minister was accompanied to the conference by Sierra Leone’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations, Samuel U.B. Saffa Esq.
