China Commits to Train Sierra Leone Labour Inspectors as Both Nations Deepen Employment Partnership 

FREETOWN, July 6, 2026 — Sierra Leone's labour sector is set to receive a major boost after China pledged to strengthen cooperation with the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security through staff training, improved labour law compliance, and enhanced support for Chinese businesses operating in the country.

The commitment was announced during a courtesy meeting between Chinese Embassy Counsellor Peng Wang and the Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Hon. Mohamed Rahman Swarray, where both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting decent work, sustainable investment, and stronger bilateral relations.

A key outcome of the meeting was China's approval of a bilateral training programme scheduled for next year, which will build the capacity of Ministry personnel, particularly newly recruited labour inspectors and enforcement officers. The initiative is expected to strengthen labour inspection and improve enforcement of Sierra Leone's labour laws.

Counsellor Wang also proposed regular engagements between the Ministry and the Chinese Chamber of Commerce to help Chinese enterprises better understand and comply with Sierra Leone's labour regulations. He reaffirmed China's commitment to supporting a stable and predictable investment environment that enables Chinese businesses to continue contributing to Sierra Leone's economic growth.

The Chinese Embassy further raised concerns over delays in processing Unified Work Permits and technical inconsistencies affecting the online work permit system, requesting the Ministry's intervention to improve efficiency.

Minister Swarray welcomed the continued partnership, describing China as one of Sierra Leone's most reliable development partners. He stressed that the Ministry's labour inspections are designed to encourage compliance through dialogue rather than target any specific nationality or business community.

"Chinese companies remain among the largest employers in Sierra Leone and have made significant contributions to the country's infrastructure development. Our goal is to ensure compliance while maintaining a productive partnership," Minister Swarray said.

The Minister also appealed for expanded training opportunities for Ministry staff, additional support for the Labour Migration Unit, and assistance in rehabilitating the Ministry's Trade Testing Centre.

Responding to concerns over work permit processing, Minister Swarray assured the Chinese Embassy that the Ministry would work with affected companies to fast-track pending applications while collaborating with system developers to resolve technical issues affecting the online platform.

The meeting ended with both Sierra Leone and China reaffirming their commitment to maintaining regular dialogue and expanding cooperation to promote labour compliance, attract investment, create jobs, and support sustainable economic development in both countries.

Source: Ministry of Employment Labour and Social Security