By Politico Staff Writer
Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh has opened the 10th Annual Conference of the African Public Sector Human Resource Management Network (APSHRM) in Freetown, urging African nations to invest in their most valuable asset — their people.
Speaking at the Bintumani Conference Center on Tuesday, Dr. Juldeh Jalloh welcomed delegates from across the continent and emphasized Sierra Leone’s commitment to professionalizing its public sector.
“At the heart of Africa’s transformation lies the management of its most critical asset — its people,” he said. “Human resource professionals have evolved from administrative officers into key actors in shaping public policy and driving institutional performance.”
The Vice President described the conference theme — Human Resource Management and Development in Public Service: A Catalyst for Africa’s Agenda 2063 — as timely, noting that “the Africa we envision by 2063 must be a prosperous continent, driven by capable states and resilient institutions.” He stressed that effective human resource systems must be built on transparency, fairness, and accountability. “Institutions are not mere structures; they are living systems built on values, practices, and people,” he added.
Highlighting Sierra Leone’s own reforms, Dr. Jalloh cited the Public Sector Reform Master Plan (2024–2030), the creation of the Wages and Compensation Commission, the introduction of biometric payroll systems, and the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act, which guarantees women at least 30% representation in leadership. Dr. Jalloh also reflected on the historical evolution of African public administration, noting that the continent’s reform journey has been marked by both collapse and renewal.
“The re-democratization of Africa in the 1990s marked the beginning of rebuilding strong, capable states,” he said. He warned that reforms must be anchored in merit, accountability, and innovation, especially as technology reshapes governance. “Without transparency, accountability, and merit-based recruitment, no reform can succeed,” he cautioned. Calling for financial self-reliance, he added, “Africa’s reform agenda can no longer depend solely on international aid. We must look inward, mobilize domestic resources, and strengthen revenue-generating institutions.”
Declaring the conference open, Dr. Jalloh praised APSHRM for promoting collaboration across borders, saying, “Your work gives me optimism that Africa is building the strong, professional, and people-centered public institutions it needs to deliver the promise of Agenda 2063.” Minister of Public Administration and Political Affairs, Hon. Amara Kallon, also reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to continuous reform, emphasising government’s focus on improving human resource management, promoting lifelong learning, and strengthening ethics in public service is central to improving delivery and citizen trust.
“Effective governance rests on the capacity, creativity, and integrity of public servants,” he said. Deputy President James Wasagami of APS-HRMNet, delivering remarks on behalf of the president, Mr Xavier Mrope Daudi, expressed gratitude to the Government and people of Sierra Leone for hosting the landmark event.
He said the conference themed — “Human Resource Management and Development in Public Service: A Catalyst for Africa’s Agenda 2063” — underscores the vital role of HR leaders in driving continental transformation. The three-day meeting will feature discussions and presentations on innovation, leadership, and reform strategies, with delegates expected to develop actionable frameworks that advance effective, people-centred governance across Africa.
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