By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
The Sierra Leone Employers Federation (SLEF), in partnership with the Bureau for Employers’ Activities of the International Labour Organization (ILO), has officially launched the Practical Employers’ Guide on the Employment Laws of Sierra Leone and trained companies on the country’s key employment regulations. The two-day workshop took place from 21st to 22nd October 2025 at the Family Kingdom Resort in Aberdeen, Freetown.
The event brought together representatives from Government institutions, the private sector and workers’ organizations to enhance understanding and compliance with Sierra Leone’s reformed labour laws. The guide, finalized in December 2024, simplifies and consolidates key employment legislation, including the Employment Act 2023, Work Permit Law and the Overseas and Migrant Workers Law, to support employers in practical implementation and legal compliance.
SLEF, the national employers’ and business membership organization, has been instrumental in promoting social dialogue, industrial peace and sound labour relations through partnerships with institutions such as the Chamber of Commerce, the Sierra Leone Labour Congress and the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security.
Speaking at the opening, ILO Country Manager, Vanessa Phala, praised the Sierra Leone Employers Federation for its leadership in modernizing the country’s labour environment and fostering inclusive growth. She described the guide as a “strategic instrument for conflict prevention,” providing user-friendly explanations of employment laws to help build trust, reduce misunderstandings and promote harmonious industrial relations.
Vanessa Phala emphasized that the guide not only clarifies legal obligations but also supports good governance and productivity. “A stable, rules-based work environment boosts competitiveness,” she said, adding that the publication advances social dialogue and collective bargaining, both essential for reconciling worker and employer interests.
She reaffirmed the ILO’s commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s social partners in promoting decent work, urging participants to “take ownership of the guide and collaborate for broad dissemination.”
SLEF Chairman Amb. Kobi Walker described the launch as the beginning of “a new era of understanding, compliance and cooperation in the world of work.” He said that laws only have meaning when those who apply them understand them, adding, “Ignorance is not an excuse; knowledge is power.”
He commended the ILO’s Bureau for Employers’ Activities for its support in developing the guide and emphasized that compliance should be viewed as an investment rather than a burden. “Compliance builds trust, prevents disputes and boosts productivity,” he stated.
Kobi Walker also noted that the guide would help employers translate complex legal requirements into day-to-day practice, supporting workplace fairness and industrial harmony. “This workshop marks a turning point toward a more formal, compliant and cooperative private sector that advances decent work and national progress,” he added.
Vice President of the Sierra Leone Labour Congress, Sarah Thomas-Kamara, highlighted that the new Employment Act 2023 consolidates and modernizes the country’s labour and employment laws, reducing legal uncertainty and promoting equal opportunity across sectors.
She said the Act protects workers’ rights, clarifies employer obligations and strengthens collective bargaining and union recognition. “The law brings greater clarity for employers, reducing risks and improving productivity,” she stated.
Sarah Thomas-Kamara stressed that both employers and workers stand to benefit from the reforms but success depends on “effective implementation, worker awareness and employer cooperation.” She called for regular dialogue and joint training initiatives to maximize the benefits of the new legal framework.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, officially launched the guide, describing it as a vital tool to address the widespread lack of awareness about employment laws among HR professionals and business leaders.
He commended SLEF for taking the initiative to bridge the knowledge gap and challenged unions to improve worker education. “Leadership is about responsibility, not titles,” he said, urging unions to account for their resources by investing in training and awareness for their members.
Mohamed Rahman Swaray expressed concern that few workplaces comply with the requirement to establish separate end-of-service benefit accounts as mandated by the 2023 Employment Act. He warned employers that the Ministry of Labour will strengthen enforcement and ensure accountability.
He also announced that the work permit system will become fully digital by January 1, 2026, with updated fees and processes designed to improve transparency and align with regional standards.
“The guide is a high-quality, user-friendly resource produced by experts who understand the local context,” the Minister said. “Employers should read it carefully, put the phone and WhatsApp aside and use it to improve compliance and fair practice.”
Mohamed Rahman Swaray underscored that while Sierra Leone has received international praise for reforming its labour laws, the real challenge lies in effective implementation. “Government cannot do it alone,” he said. “Compliance and enforcement depend on cooperation from those in the workplaces where officials rarely reach.”
He concluded by emphasizing that a well-informed private sector is essential for decent work, fair treatment and sustainable national development.
The two-day workshop featured in-person facilitation by a national consultant and online input from ILO specialists based in Dakar. It offered employers and HR professionals the opportunity to deepen their understanding of new laws and strengthen institutional compliance systems.
The launch of the Practical Employers’ Guide on the Employment Laws of Sierra Leone marks a milestone in the country’s efforts to build a modern, equitable and transparent labour market, one where both employers and employees operate with knowledge, fairness and mutual respect.
