The Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, has reiterated President Bio’s unwavering dedication to fulfilling his promise of generating half a million jobs within a five-year span, as outlined in his ‘Big Five’ manifesto objectives.
During the weekly Government Press Briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation’s Conference Room on Tower Hill in Freetown, Minister Swaray underscored President Julius Maada Bio’s profound concern regarding youth unemployment, which is perceived as a significant national security issue. This concern has prompted the President to prioritize job creation as one of the transformative elements of his ‘Big Five’ agenda.
Minister Swaray emphasized President Bio’s successful efforts in positioning Sierra Leone as an attractive destination for investment, boasting a burgeoning young workforce ready and willing to contribute to the nation’s growth. He further explained the Government’s strategy, which centres on fostering an enabling environment to attract foreign direct investment and encourage private sector development, thereby stimulating job creation.
While dispelling the notion that Governments should directly provide employment for all citizens, Minister Swaray stressed the Government’s vital role in creating conducive conditions for the private sector to flourish and, in turn, generate employment opportunities. He urged the private sector to step up and actively partake in job creation.
Acknowledging the global importance of digital jobs, Minister Swaray highlighted Sierra Leone’s substantial investments in digital infrastructure and the expansion of fibre connectivity to tap into this growing job sector.
In his call to action, Minister Swaray implored all stakeholders to collaborate in the job recovery process, which is essential for the Government to realize its ambitious goal of creating five hundred thousand jobs within five years. He particularly urged employers to prioritize hiring Sierra Leonean nationals for positions such as shopkeepers and miners, rather than resorting to foreign labour, aligning with the country’s labour laws.
Minister Swaray disclosed that his Ministry has presented a proposal to the Cabinet aimed at addressing outdated labour laws and this endeavour has involved consultations with key stakeholders, including the Sierra Leone Labour Congress and the Sierra Leone Employers Federation, to ensure the protection of Sierra Leonean jobs.
Lastly, the Employment Minister encouraged private sector employers to fulfil their NASSIT contribution obligations for their employees to guarantee a dignified retirement after their years of service.
