Freetown, 11th March, 2026 — Sierra Leone has hosted the 52nd Governing Council Meeting of the African Regional Labour Administration Centre (ARLAC), bringing together senior government officials, labour administrators, and policymakers from across Africa to deliberate on advancing decent work in the fast-growing platform economy.
The meeting, organized by the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security, focused on the rise of digital labour platforms and their implications for labour governance across the continent. ARLAC, an intergovernmental body dedicated to strengthening labour administration systems through training, research, and advisory services, convened the session to address both opportunities and challenges posed by the gig economy.
Welcoming delegates on behalf of President Julius Maada Bio and the people of Sierra Leone, Employment Minister Mohamed Rahman Swaray underscored the urgency of regional cooperation.
“Across the continent, the platform economy is gaining traction in transport, e-commerce, domestic services, and financial technology. Millions of Africans now earn income via digital platforms, often without formal contracts, social protection, fair wages, or collective bargaining opportunities,” he said.
He stressed that while digital platforms such as Uber, Jumia, Orange Money, and AfriMoney are transforming labour markets, they also expose workers to vulnerabilities. “Platforms operate across borders, but labour protection remains nationally defined, creating regulatory gaps and uneven standards,” he noted, urging African governments to craft a unified response.
Delegates discussed how technology-driven platforms are reshaping employment structures, particularly among youth, and highlighted the need for coherent policies to safeguard workers’ rights. Minister Swaray emphasized that Africa must speak with “a strong, coherent voice” on the future of work, grounded in values of inclusivity, fairness, and solidarity.
He concluded by calling for active engagement to shape practical strategies that ensure decent work in the platform economy. “By working together, we will shape a shared African position that reflects our values and protects our workers,” he said.
The consultative meeting reinforced Sierra Leone’s role as a convener of critical labour policy debates and highlighted ARLAC’s mission to strengthen labour administration across Africa. With the platform economy expanding rapidly, the discussions are expected to inform regional frameworks that balance innovation with worker protections.
