By George M. O. Williams
October 21, 2025: The Sierra Leone Employers Federation (SLEF), in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), has launched a new Employers’ Guide and conducted a training session on the Employment Act, 2023. The initiative, supported by the ILO’s Bureau for Employers’ Activities, aims to enhance workplace productivity, promote decent work, and ensure compliance with the country’s revised labour laws.
Held at the Family Kingdom in Freetown, the event brought together government officials, employers, and representatives from workers’ unions to discuss the importance of effective labour practices in building an inclusive and competitive economy.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, described the guide as a timely tool to bridge the knowledge gap between employers and labour practitioners. He emphasized the need for robust enforcement mechanisms to uphold the revised laws and protect both workers and businesses.
“I call on all stakeholders to support the Sierra Leone Employers Federation in popularizing this guide. It represents a call to accountability and shared responsibility,” Minister Swaray stated, reaffirming the government’s commitment to global labour standards and a fairer, more productive nation.
ILO Country Director for Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, Ms. Vanessa Phala, commended the Employers Federation for its collaboration and dedication to fostering inclusive economic growth. She described the guide as a “tool for dialogue and a structured framework for social partnership,” essential for anticipating legal risks and promoting sustainable workplace practices.
“This guide has been instrumental in fostering better understanding between employers and workers, and it will continue to serve as a roadmap for compliance and productivity,” she added.
SLEF Chairman Kobi Walker highlighted the guide’s role in helping employers navigate the evolving legal landscape. “The strength of every nation rests on the productivity of its people, which in turn depends on the quality and security of employment,” he said. Walker noted that the guide offers clarity and confidence to employers and supports dispute resolution mechanisms that build trust between employers and employees.
He reaffirmed SLEF’s commitment to empowering the private sector and promoting dialogue and cooperation in the workplace.
Vice President of the Sierra Leone Labour Congress, Sarah Thomas-Kamara, praised the initiative as a vital step toward knowledge-sharing and safer working environments. She emphasized that the revised labour laws will improve inclusivity, strengthen workers’ rights, and align with international standards.
“The collaborative approach being adopted is key to the successful implementation of these changes,” she concluded.
The Employers’ Guide is expected to serve as a cornerstone for improving labour relations, ensuring legal compliance, and driving national productivity through informed and responsible employment practices.