Employment Minister Participates in Key Summit on Social Development and Labour in Ethiopia

On the 2nd August 2024 Mohamed Rahman Swaray, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Employment, Labour, and Social Security, is actively participating in the Fifth Ordinary Session of the Specialized Committee on Social Development, Labour, and Employment (STC-SDLE 5) in Addis Ababa. This significant event, running from July 29 to August 2, 2024, brings together experts and ministers from across the continent to strategize on enhancing social development, labour, and employment.

The summit aims to adopt comprehensive strategies and policy measures at both continental and regional levels, addressing critical issues such as social protection, labour migration, youth employment, child marriage, female genital mutilation (FGM), and ending child exploitation and abuse. Experts and labour officials are meeting to discuss and endorse these strategies before presenting them to the ministers for consideration.

In his address, Minister Swaray highlighted President Julius Maada Bio’s concerns regarding the urgent youth unemployment situation. “Youth impatience is palpable,” Swaray stated, noting the growing restlessness among young people, which often leads to perilous journeys across the Mediterranean. He stressed the need for national governments to adopt a new approach, moving away from business as usual.

Minister Swaray outlined several initiatives Sierra Leone is undertaking to address these challenges:

• Expanding Social Security Coverage: With support from the International Labour Organization and the World Bank, Sierra Leone is expanding social security coverage to include the informal sector. This initiative aims to provide financial security and stability to workers who are often excluded from traditional social security systems.
• Social Protection Schemes: The country is implementing various social protection schemes, including cash transfers to vulnerable aged populations. These schemes are designed to alleviate poverty and ensure a basic standard of living for the most disadvantaged groups.
• Sierra Leone Social Health Insurance Scheme (SLESHI): This scheme aims to enhance healthcare accessibility, ensuring that more citizens can receive medical care when needed. SLESHI is part of a broader effort to improve the overall health and well-being of the population.
• National Volunteering Scheme: Complementing the existing National Youth Service Scheme, this new initiative seeks to engage young people in meaningful work and community service. It aims to provide them with valuable experience and skills, while also contributing to national development.

Accompanied by the Ministry’s Director of Labour and Employment, Sinneh Bockarie, Minister Swaray expressed gratitude to the African Union for its recent support in building the capacity of stakeholders for volunteering programmes. He highlighted the creation of a comprehensive job creation policy in Sierra Leone, which is overseen by an inter-ministerial committee co-chaired by the country’s Vice President and the Minister of Labour.

The STC-SDLE 5 summit is a crucial platform for African nations to collaborate on shared challenges and opportunities in the areas of social development, labour, and employment. By participating in this summit, Sierra Leone is not only contributing to continental discussions but also gaining valuable insights and support to further its national development goals.

Minister Swaray used the forum to express Sierra Leone’s appreciation for the African Union’s support and to share the country’s progress and plans. He emphasized the importance of international cooperation in addressing issues such as youth unemployment and social protection. By working together, African nations can develop more effective policies and strategies to improve the lives of their citizens.

Minister Swaray concluded by thanking the organizers for the platform and reaffirming Sierra Leone’s commitment to collaborative efforts in addressing these pressing issues. The participation of Sierra Leone in this summit underscores its dedication to improving social development, labour conditions, and employment opportunities for its citizens.

This pivotal session in Addis Ababa marks a significant step in regional cooperation and the pursuit of sustainable development goals across Africa, with Sierra Leone playing a proactive role in shaping the future of social and economic policies. As the summit progresses, it is expected that the strategies and policies developed will have a lasting impact on the continent, driving positive change and fostering greater resilience and prosperity for all African nations.