In a Landmark Multi-Stakeholder Meeting… NASSIT Unveils Draft Informal Sector Pension Policy
By Abdul Rahman Bah
The Technical Committee of the Informal Sector on Tuesday, May 13th, 2025, at the Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel in Freetown, has presented the long-awaited draft policy on the Informal Sector Pension Scheme to the Steering Committee. Hon. Mohamed Rado Swaray, Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Security, and Chairman of the Steering Committee, lauded the milestone, calling it a “significant turning point” for millions of Sierra Leoneans working in the informal economy. He emphasized that, unlike previous practices where foreign consultants were hired at great cost, this policy was developed entirely in-house highlighting local expertise, ownership, and cost-effectiveness. Reflecting on progress since the September 2024 committee meeting, Minister Swaray noted the role of the International Labour Organization (ILO), whose actuarial valuation report provided the crucial data-driven foundation needed to shift from planning to implementation. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment under President Bio’s leadership to inclusive development and extending social protection to previously underserved groups. Edwin Mohamed Kamara, Deputy Director General of Operations at NASSIT and Chair of the Technical Committee, credited the collaboration across government agencies for the policy’s successful drafting. He stressed that this was achieved without external consultants, thanks to the in house team’s technical expertise and shared commitment. Kamara presented a detailed roadmap leading up to the policy, including diagnostic studies, actuarial assessments, and future plans for awareness campaigns, stakeholder validation, legal framework development, and nationwide rollout by January 2026. NASSIT Director General Mohamed Fuad Daboh delivered a stirring address, noting that over 80% of Sierra Leone’s labor force operates within the informal sector. “These are our traders, artisans, market women, and transport operators,” he said. “This scheme is not about charity it is about recognition, protection, and empowerment.” He stressed that the success of the scheme depends on coordinated efforts, institutional coherence, and strong political will. Daboh called the Steering Committee “enablers of transformation” and urged them to champion the scheme across their institutions. He emphasized the need for aligned efforts, data sharing, joint implementation, and accountability. “Let us leave a legacy where no informal worker is left behind,” he concluded. The event marked a defining moment in Sierra Leone’s push for inclusive social protection and economic resilience, with broad consensus among stakeholders to move from policy to action. The Technical Committee of the Informal Sector on Tuesday, May 13th, 2025, at the Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel in Freetown, has presented the long-awaited draft policy on the Informal Sector Pension Scheme to the Steering Committee. Hon. Mohamed Rado Swaray, Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Security, and Chairman of the Steering Committee, lauded the milestone, calling it a “significant turning point” for millions of Sierra Leoneans working in the informal economy. He emphasized that, unlike previous practices where foreign consultants were hired at great cost, this policy was developed entirely in-house highlighting local expertise, ownership, and cost-effectiveness. Reflecting on progress since the September 2024 committee meeting, Minister Swaray noted the role of the International Labour Organization (ILO), whose actuarial valuation report provided the crucial data-driven foundation needed to shift from planning to implementation. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment under President Bio’s leadership to inclusive development and extending social protection to previously underserved groups. Edwin Mohamed Kamara, Deputy Director General of Operations at NASSIT and Chair of the Technical Committee, credited the collaboration across government agencies for the policy’s successful drafting. He stressed that this was achieved without external consultants, thanks to the in house team’s technical expertise and shared commitment. Kamara presented a detailed roadmap leading up to the policy, including diagnostic studies, actuarial assessments, and future plans for awareness campaigns, stakeholder validation, legal framework development, and nationwide rollout by January 2026. NASSIT Director General Mohamed Fuad Daboh delivered a stirring address, noting that over 80% of Sierra Leone’s labor force operates within the informal sector. “These are our traders, artisans, market women, and transport operators,” he said. “This scheme is not about charity it is about recognition, protection, and empowerment.” He stressed that the success of the scheme depends on coordinated efforts, institutional coherence, and strong political will. Daboh called the Steering Committee “enablers of transformation” and urged them to champion the scheme across their institutions. He emphasized the need for aligned efforts, data sharing, joint implementation, and accountability. “Let us leave a legacy where no informal worker is left behind,” he concluded. The event marked a defining moment in Sierra Leone’s push for inclusive social protection and economic resilience, with broad consensus among stakeholders to move from policy to action.
