Sierra Leone recently participated in a Tripartite Labour Migration Meeting held in Nairobi, Kenya, on 22-23 September 2026. The event brought together African governments, employers’ organisations, and workers’ groups to discuss labour migration strategies. The meeting was organised by the African Union Commission with support from the International Labour Organisation. The discussions aimed to address ongoing challenges related to labour migration and improve coordination across Africa.
The Sierra Leone delegation to the meeting included Commissioner of Labour Sinneh Bockarie, Sierra Leone Employers Federation Executive Secretary Albert Ojo Collier, and Deputy Secretary-General of the Sierra Leone Labour Congress Edward Y. Kamara. Their participation ensured that Sierra Leone’s stance on employer responsibilities, employee rights, and the protection of migrants’ wages were included in continental discussions. The delegation played a crucial role in shaping Africa’s approach to labour migration.
The meeting focused on several key themes, including fair recruitment, decent work, wage protection, access to justice, skills mobility, social protection, and the rights of migrant workers. These themes will inform a Common African Tripartite Statement and key recommendations for the Doha Dialogue on Labour Migration. The Doha Dialogue is scheduled for 5-6 October 2026 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and will examine how to enhance fair and sustainable labour mobility between Africa and the GCC+ region.
Commissioner Bockarie emphasised the importance of protecting migrant workers and ensuring decent work is central to Africa’s relations with destination countries. He chaired the focus group on Fair Recruitment, Employment Contracts, and Wage Protection. Collier led the discussions on Access to Justice, while Kamara represented the Sierra Leone Labour Congress in broader dialogues. Their contributions helped shape the discussions and outcomes of the meeting.
The Nairobi meeting aimed to build consensus across Africa before the Doha Dialogue. The outcomes of this meeting are expected to shape Africa’s contributions to these discussions and promote effective actions to safeguard migrants and support responsible labour mobility. The meeting provided a platform for African countries to share experiences and best practices in labour migration.
The discussions in Nairobi covered various aspects such as skills pathways, worker protection, and social security. The meeting also examined how to enhance fair and sustainable labour mobility between Africa and the GCC+ region. The African Union Commission and the International Labour Organisation provided support for the meeting, which brought together stakeholders from across the continent.
The participation of Sierra Leone in the Tripartite Labour Migration Meeting demonstrates the country’s commitment to protecting migrant workers and promoting responsible labour mobility. The country’s delegation played a crucial role in shaping the discussions and outcomes of the meeting. The meeting’s outcomes will inform Africa’s approach to labour migration and promote effective actions to safeguard migrants.
Key points
- The meeting aimed to address ongoing challenges related to labour migration and improve coordination across Africa.
- The discussions focused on several key themes, including fair recruitment, decent work, wage protection, access to justice, skills mobility, social protection, and the rights of migrant workers.
- The outcomes of the meeting are expected to shape Africa’s contributions to the Doha Dialogue and promote effective actions to safeguard migrants and support responsible labour mobility.
