Geneva: Sierra Leone Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Hon. Mohamed Rahman Swaray, called on International Labour Organization member states to ensure artificial intelligence serves human dignity, promotes decent work, and avoids deepening inequality.
According to Sierra Leone News Agency, addressing the 114th International Labour Conference session under the theme 'Moment of Choice: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Decent Work,' Minister Swaray described AI as not merely a technological issue but a matter of development, employment, and social justice. He warned that Africa cannot afford a widening digital divide within societies or between nations.
Minister Swaray highlighted Sierra Leone's growing labour governance leadership, citing the country hosting the 52nd African Regional Labour Administration Centre Governing Council Meeting and High-Level Symposium in Freetown. That event brought together labour ministers, experts, and social partners from 13 African countries. He also referenced the Second National Labour Conference and Social Dialogue Forum held during May Day celebrations.
Minister Swaray outlined key labour reforms under President Julius Maada Bio's administration. These include a 50 percent national minimum wage increase from Le 800 to Le 1,200 effective April 2026, the full operationalization of a digital work permit system in January 2026, and progress toward an Informal Sector Social Security Scheme extending pension and social protection coverage to self-employed workers.
He noted that the Cabinet approved a new Data Protection and Right to Access Information Bill, demonstrating the Government's commitment to strengthening governance and protecting citizen rights within an increasingly digital world.
Acknowledging AI opportunities for youth entrepreneurship, e-commerce, and remote work, Minister Swaray cautioned that unequal access to internet connectivity, digital devices, and skills training could worsen existing inequalities. He raised concerns about worker surveillance, algorithmic bias, data privacy, and job losses from automation.
Concluding his statement, Minister Swaray called for stronger international cooperation and a renewed social contract placing people at the center of technological advancement. 'Artificial intelligence cannot and must not replace our commitment to human dignity,' he said, reaffirming Sierra Leone's commitment to working with ILO and global partners so technology advances worker rights and leaves no one behind.
Minister Swaray attended the conference with Sierra Leone Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations, Samuel U.B. Saffa Esq.