01/05/2026
A cross-section of staff from the Sierra Leone Educators Association participated in the 2026 National Labour Conference and Social Dialogue, organized by the Sierra Leone Labour Congress, the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security, and the Sierra Leone Employers Federation. The event took place from 30 April to 1 May 2026 at the Miatta Conference Centre in Freetown.
The event brought together government officials, labour unions, employers, and international partners as part of this year’s May Day celebrations.
Key highlights from the conference:
* Deputy Minister of Employment, Hon. Mohamed Lansana Dumbuya, chaired the event and announced major labour reforms:
i. Ratification of ILO conventions on migrant workers & occupational safety
ii. New laws: Employment Act 2023, Work Permit Act 2023, Overseas Employment & Migration Act
iii. Minimum wage increased from Le800 to Le1,200 (effective April 2026)
iv. Pensions improved from Le25 to Le250
* Challenges acknowledged: youth unemployment, wage disparities, pension compliance, and skills mismatch between graduates and market needs.
* Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh spoke on “Challenges & Opportunities of Decent Work in the Digital Era” – stressing the need to ensure digital jobs benefit all, especially youth and women in the informal economy.
* Marx Conteh (Secretary General, Sierra Leone Labour Congress) praised the peaceful social dialogue approach.
* SLEA’s presence ensured that educators’ voices were part of critical conversations on bridging education and employment, addressing skills shortages, and shaping the future of work.
* The conference concluded with social dialogue sessions, panel discussions, and stakeholder engagements focusing on bridging the gap between education and employment, addressing skills shortages, and exploring opportunities within the creative industry. Activities were climaxed with the national commemoration of May Day celebrations hosted by President Julius Maada Bio.
SLEA remains committed to advocating for decent work conditions for all educators to promote Inclusive quality education in Sierra Leone.
Happy International Labour Day !
UNICEF Sierra Leone Global Fund for Children
Global Schools Forum