Freetown, Sierra Leone – May 1, 2025 As part of Sierra Leone’s commemoration of International Workers’ Day, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has directed the Ministry of Employment, Labour, and Social Security to initiate negotiations for a new national minimum wage. The announcement came during the National Labour Conference, held at the Miatta Conference Centre in Freetown, where government officials, stakeholders, and dignitaries gathered to discuss labor reforms and workers’ rights.
During his address, President Bio emphasized the connection between the dignity of labour and access to quality education, healthcare, and sustainable livelihoods. He praised Sierra Leonean workers for their resilience in overcoming economic challenges and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving their welfare.
> “It is in recognition of these realities that I have directed the Ministry of Employment, Labour, and Social Security to commence negotiations for a new minimum wage—not as a political gesture, but as a fundamental step toward ensuring that every worker can live with dignity,” President Bio stated.
Prioritizing the Informal Sector
The President also acknowledged the vital role of informal sector workers in Sierra Leone’s economy, stressing the need to extend social protection to those historically excluded from formal employment structures.
> “My government is accelerating efforts to integrate the informal economy into the formal sector, ensuring protection and opportunity for those who have long operated in the shadows. We are prioritizing the extension of national social security coverage to include informal sector workers, thereby offering millions of Sierra Leoneans access to critical social safety nets,” he said.
A Vision for the Future of Work
Looking ahead, President Bio outlined his vision for a fair and inclusive labor system, where hard work is recognized and rewarded. He called upon all Sierra Leoneans to support the government’s mission to promote economic stability, workers’ rights, and social justice.
> “We are building a nation where the dignity of work is a source of national pride. I call on all citizens to join us in realizing this vision of a fairer, more inclusive Sierra Leone,” he concluded.
The announcement signals a major step in addressing workers’ concerns, ensuring fair wages, equitable treatment, and stronger labor protections across the country. Negotiations on the new minimum wage are expected to begin in the coming weeks, with active involvement from labor unions, industry leaders, and government representatives.