The High Commissioner of India in Sierra Leone, His Excellency, recently visited H.E. Mohamed Rehman Sawaray, Minister of Employment, Labour & Social Security. The two leaders met to talk about two main issues: growing Indian investment in Sierra Leone’s manufacturing sector, and problems and opportunities in labour and employment.
The High Commissioner said that more Indian businesses are looking to build factories or expand operations in Sierra Leone. He noted this is part of a wider trend of investment from India in manufacturing here. Minister Sawaray and the High Commissioner also discussed how to ensure good jobs, fair working conditions, and how labour can be developed so the people of Sierra Leone benefit more.
They considered policies that might help employers and workers alike — including training programmes, regulations, and possibly incentives to attract investment while protecting worker rights.
India and Sierra Leone have long enjoyed friendly bilateral relations. Over the years, India has supported Sierra Leone through lines of credit, capacity building, scholarships, and infrastructure projects.
Trade between the two countries has grown steadily. For example, India has exported pharmaceuticals, industrial machinery, and non-basmati rice to Sierra Leone, while importing items like ferrous waste, wood pulp, and titanium ores.
Recently, India and Sierra Leone also signed a Memorandum of Understanding to share digital solutions (INDIA STACK) and cooperate in digital transformation. This is expected to generate more employment in the IT sector.