TOPICS FOR THE NATIONAL LABOUR CONFERENCE 2025

The National Labour Conference for Sierra Leone presents an opportunity to explore pressing issues in the country’s labour market and envision a future shaped by innovation, technology, and inclusive policies. As Sierra Leone continues to grapple with high unemployment rates, particularly among youth, it is critical to examine the evolving dynamics of employment and how global trends, such as the digital revolution and artificial intelligence, can create new opportunities while addressing existing challenges. This conference aims to foster dialogue among stakeholders, including the government, private sector, educational institutions, and civil society, to develop actionable strategies for employment creation, reskilling the workforce, and promoting decent work standards. Below is a list of panel discussion topics that cover a wide range of themes, including ICT, entrepreneurship, labour laws, and the future of work, all tailored to Sierra Leone’s unique context.

Aligning Education and Training with Labour Market Demands

The skills gap remains a critical challenge in Sierra Leone. This session will focus on curriculum reform to address future workforce needs, emphasizing ICT, innovation, and green skills for sustainable industries. Discussions will include integrating AI training, career guidance, and digital literacy into education systems to prepare the workforce for a just transition to an inclusive and technology-driven economy.

Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Volunteerism: Building Pathways for Self-Employment and Sustainable Economic Growth

Entrepreneurship is a key engine for job creation, especially in the green and digital economies. This panel will explore how innovation, ICT, and AI can drive eco-friendly startups and self-employment, with a focus on empowering youth and women. It will also highlight volunteerism as a pathway to build skills, gain experience, and foster entrepreneurial mind-sets. Panelists will discuss how to improve access to funding, mentorship, and infrastructure that supports sustainable ventures.

AI and the Workforce: Opportunities and Challenges for Sierra Leone

Artificial Intelligence is transforming industries, creating new opportunities and challenges. This session will explore how AI can drive job creation in sectors such as green energy, ICT, and innovation, while addressing risks like automation-induced job displacement. Key topics include ethical AI adoption, upskilling workers, and ensuring that AI technologies support Sierra Leone’s commitment to a just transition and sustainable growth.

Collaborative Efforts for Job Creation: The Role of Government, Private Sector, and Training Institutions

Employment creation requires a multi-stakeholder approach. This panel will discuss how the government, private sector, and educational institutions can collaborate to address unemployment and develop a skilled workforce.

An inclusive Economy: Empowering Women in the Future of Work

This session will explore the intersection of gender, work, social protection, and labour migration; highlighting the urgent need to create inclusive systems that secure dignity, mobility, and protection for women in all sectors of the economy. Panelists will examine the factors inhibiting women’s full participation in the workforce, particularly in the informal economy, care economy, and cross-border employment, promote STEM education for women, and advocate for policies that support women entrepreneurs in the green and digital economies.

The Labour Laws and Decent Work: Enforcing Standards for an Evolving Workforce

The rise of new employment models and green industries necessitates updated labour laws to ensure decent work. This session will focus on protecting workers’ rights in emerging sectors such as AI, ICT, and the gig economy while supporting a just transition. Discussions will cover how labour laws can regulate new forms of employment, promote sustainable practices, and foster a balance between innovation and worker protections.

OUR SPEAKERS

MAHMOUD A. IDRISS

Mahmoud Idriss is a serial entrepreneur, on a mission to drive transformation in through digital solutions and ICT. He has over 20 years’ experience working in the public and private sectors in Sierra Leone. He has worked in various Government institutions including the Ministry of Finance as an Economist; and later as Head of Investments and Projects at the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT); and subsequently as National Coordinator of the Millennium Challenge Coordinating Unit (MCCU). Mahmoud Idriss also has rich experience as an entrepreneur and private sector business leader. He is the founder of multiple start-ups in various fields including internet services, software development and FinTech services.

PROF. MIRIAM CONTEH-MORGAN

Associate Professor Miriam Conteh-Morgan is currently the Deputy Vice Chancellor of the Institute of Public Administration (IPAM), a constituent college of University of Sierra Leone (USL), and the premier Business School in Sierra Leone. A seasoned educator for 40-plus years, she started her professional career as a secondary school teacher in English and History in Freetown schools, and was examiner in English at the then Selective Entrance and GCE O Level examinations in the 1980s. She was head of the IPAM Library from 2013 until her appointment as Deputy Vice Chancellor in 2022; she also supervised all three college libraries of USL in her position as University Librarian, and served as Assistant Deputy Vice Chancellor of IPAM for six years.

BARRY HONNAH

Barry Honnah is an accomplished HR professional currently leading the human resources function at Sierra Rutile Limited. With a wealth of experience in both mining and telecommunication, he has a proven track record of enhancing workforce efficiency and implementing strategic HR initiatives. Previously, Barry drove impactful transformations as the Director of Human Resources at Orange SL and managed critical HR operations at African Minerals. With an MSc in Industrial Relations and Personnel Management from the London School of Economics (LSE), Barry blends academic expertise with industry insight, ensuring comprehensive HR strategies that promote growth and operational excellence.

ANDREW LAVALI

Andrew Lavali is the founding Executive Director of the Institute for Governance Reform (IGR) in Sierra Leone, established in 2012. With over 20 years of experience in governance and accountability across Africa, he has worked extensively in program management, monitoring and evaluation, political economy analysis, development policy research, justice and security sector reform, electoral reform, civil society strengthening, and decentralized service delivery. In recognition of his contributions, Andrew received Sierra Leone’s Presidential Award in 2021 for bringing high-quality, citizen-driven evidence into national decision-making. Under his leadership, IGR has produced influential reports, such as the Service Delivery Index for health and education, which was debated and endorsed by the Parliament of Sierra Leone in December 2021.

ANDREA DUNLAP

Andrea Dunlap is a seasoned Human Capital and Learning & Development specialist with over 40 years of global experience spanning Africa, the UK, and the US. As Managing Director of AfRecruit (SL) Ltd, she leads a human capital consultancy that provides strategic HR solutions to international, regional, and national organizations. She has extensive expertise in designing and implementing HR policies, workforce training, capacity development, and performance management systems that align with best practices and organizational goals. Andrea has successfully facilitated numerous training programs in both the private and public sectors, focusing on leadership development, soft skills training, and technical workforce enhancement. She is an executive member of iHRSL, a member of the Sierra Leone TVET Coalition Group, and serves on multiple boards.

VIOLET ASGILL-PETERS

Violet Asgill-Peters is a seasoned HR executive and business transformation strategist with over 25 years of experience in organizational restructuring, strategic HR, and workforce development. As the Founder and Managing Partner of Craft Human Resources Ltd, she has played a pivotal role in optimizing business operations, driving process efficiencies, and mentoring the next generation of professionals. Violet experience is versatile and has worked with clients in a number of industries including fishing, construction, hospitality (resorts, hotels and entertainment) government in emergency response and skills development and a number of NGO’s. Violet is passionate about capacity building and leadership development. She sits on multiple boards, offering strategic guidance to start ups and established enterprises.

ANITA ESTHER MOMOH

Anita Esther Momoh is a dynamic and accomplished Assistant Director at the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, with over 15 years of dedicated experience as a gender expert. She has a proven track record in developing and implementing policies and programs that address women’s issues, promote gender equality, and enhance the welfare of children. Mrs. Momoh is adept in stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, and advocacy both within and beyond government. She is committed to empowering women and supporting gender mainstreaming initiatives. Mrs. Anita Esther Momoh is a committed professional ready to leverage her extensive experience in gender issues to foster sustainable development and promote equitable opportunities for all.

MARYAM DARWICH

Maryam Darwich is a Capacity Building and Change Management Consultant with over 15 years of experience in organisational transformation, leadership development, governance structuring, and strategic planning. She specializes in training, coaching, and development, helping organizations and individuals navigate complex change processes with a result focused, human-centred approach. As Founder & Lead Consultant of Afriqia HR Solutions, Maryam has led organizational strengthening, executive coaching, and talent development interventions across sectors, ensuring sustainability and impact. A certified psychometric assessor, she utilizes cutting edge assessment tools to support leadership development, team building, and performance management for youth, mid-career professionals, and executives.

DR. VICTOR MOININA

Dr. Victor Moinina has amassed extensive professional experience across various sectors, showcasing his leadership, teaching, and consultancy expertise. Currently, he serves as the Assistant Head of Department for Leadership and Development at the Institute of Public Administration and Management, University of Sierra Leone. Simultaneously, Dr. Moinina holds multiple influential roles, including Executive Director and Lead Consultant at Pro-Idealist Limited. Previously, Dr. Moinina served as Programme Policy Officer under the African Union Youth Volunteer program with the World Food Programme in Ethiopia (2019–2020). He also held key leadership positions, including National Early Warning Systems Manager for WANEP-Sierra Leone and Program Officer for the ECOWAS Youth Council in Nigeria. His broad-ranging experience demonstrates a steadfast dedication to advancing education, governance, and social impact initiatives

ALFRED AKIBO - BETTS

Alfred AKIBO-BETTS is the Vice President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sierra Leone. He is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Betts Firm – a tax and accounting advisory firm. Alfred has been a Chartered Accountant for over seventeen years and is a Fellow of both the Association of Chartered Accountants in the United Kingdom and Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sierra Leone. Alfred is an internationally renowned Tax Expert, with over twenty years of experience, including working in senior positions at the National Revenue Authority, attaining the Deputy Commissioner position where he notably oversaw implementing the Goods and Services Tax. Alfred also works internationally as a Tax Expert for the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, African Tax Administration Forum and international consultancy firms. In addition to his work at The Betts Firm, Alfred currently provides support for the United Nations Capital Development Fund as Project Lead for the Freetown Blue Peace Initiative, advising on innovative financing options for water and sanitation projects for Freetown.

SIÂN THOMAS

Siân Thomas is the CEO of One Broadband, formerly K3 Telecom, bringing nearly two decades of experience in Sierra Leone’s private sector. Her previous tenure as Country Manager for G4S Sierra Leone was marked by significant operational advancements and strategic growth. In her current role, she continues to drive innovation and expand broadband services, enhancing digital connectivity across the nation.

As the current President of the British Chamber of Commerce in Sierra Leone, Siân actively engages in dialogues with government officials and business leaders to create conducive environment for investment and economic development.

Siân is committed to empowering women both within her organization and in the broader Sierra Leonean community. Siân has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to promoting gender equality in the workplace, thereby contributing to a more inclusive and equitable business landscape in Sierra Leone.

CHELCY ALMA AMINATA HEROE

Chelcy Alma Aminata Heroe is the founder and General Secretary of the Sierra Leone Domestic Workers Union an affiliate of the Sierra Leone Labour Congress (SLLC).

She is a Social Worker, Social Entrepreneur, Entrepreneurship Facilitator, Gender, Social, Education, and Labour Activist. She served as a Loans Officer at the Association for Rural Development. She received training in Delinquency Management and Credit Analysis and was awarded as an outstanding staff member in portfolio at-risk and arrears, overall performance, and portfolio size. She also received training on Gender and Entrepreneurship Together, Start and Improve Your Business, Financial Management and Sustainability, Advocacy and M&E, Leadership, Legal Empowerment Leadership Course, and Protection of Victims of Trafficking in Persons.

MOHAMED SESAY

Mr. Mohamed Sesay is the Founder and Executive Director of Africa Institute for Development and Equity (AIDE). He comes with close to 20 years of leadership and C-Suite experience managing private sector organizations in the Finance/Leasing sector; leading International Non-Governmental Organizations; and being the founder of National Non-Governmental Organizations in Sierra Leone and Liberia. His passion is firmly rooted in creating channels and opportunities for equitable development for all—starting at home here in Sierra Leone.

SANGEETHA BALASUBRAMANIAM

Sangeetha Balasubramaniam (Sangeetha Bala) is an experienced HR Specialist with over twelve years’ work exposure in the mining sector. Her other field of experiences include renewable energy, airline, hospitality and retail.

She is experienced in leading end to end delivery of HR’s administrative functions. Her areas of expertise include HR infrastructure (policies and procedures, compensation and benefits, HRIS), Risk Management (compliance and best practices),and Strategy Alignment, providing support at both strategic and operational level at every phase of a business’s lifecycle, whether it is a greenfield project, a project expansion or downscaling, and/or facilitating and ensuring a smooth transition during change management.

AMINATA KAMARA

Ms. Aminata Kamara joined Marampa Mines Limited (MML) in June 2023 as Vice President Corporate Affairs. Her primary responsibilities are overseeing government relations and other key stakeholders management. She also has overall responsibility for both the human resources and community relations departments.

Prior to MML, Ms. Kamara worked at Sierra Rutile Limited as Human Resources and Corporate Affairs Director from 2015, and later as Corporate Affairs and Government Relations Director 2019 – 2023. She has over 20 years leadership experience gained in the UK, Nigeria and Sierra Leone.

Ms. Kamara is an Executive Board Director at MML, and the current Board Chair at Bloom Bank Africa Sierra Leone.

TEJAN AHMEND ISRAEL JAH

Tejan Ahmed Israel Jah is a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of Sierra Leone. He started his career as a lawyer at Shears Moses and Co. and then proceeded to Marcus Jones & Co. He later on served as a Magistrate in the Judiciary and was assigned to preside over matters in Freetown, Waterloo and York Judicial Districts.

He has wealth of experience in both private and corporate practice including holding Management and other administrative positions in some Government Departments and Agencies. He served as Legal officer at the Right to Access Information Commission, Legal Advisor and Corporate Secretary at the Electricity and Distribution Authority (EDSA) and recently as the Acting Director of Legal Affairs and Board Secretariat at NASSIT.

CHENOR KAMARA

Chernor’s career path showcases a remarkable dedication to service and safety. Following his graduation from Fourah Bay College, he played a crucial role in Sierra Leone’s post-conflict peacebuilding efforts as part of the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone, working in Outreach and Public Advocacy. This commitment to service continued when he emigrated to the United Kingdom and joined the British Army, undertaking tours in various international locations. Currently, Chernor serves as a director at Priority Risk Ltd, a Health and Safety Consultancy firm, leveraging his expertise as a Chartered Health and Safety Practitioner, Chartered Member of the Institute of Building, and Chartered Member with the Association For Project Safety, to provide invaluable advice to a diverse range of clients.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Chernor is also dedicated to improving workplace safety standards in Sierra Leone, fostering collaboration between the Institute of Occupational Safety & Health (IOSH) in the UK and the Ministry of Labour in Sierra Leone.