By: Fatmata Grace Okekearu, Bo City
In a concerted effort to improve public service delivery and promote a more business-friendly environment in Bo District, government officials, private sector leaders, and civil society organizations convened this week for a high-level Public-Private Dialogue (PPD). The event, held at the Bo De Wizard Hall, centered on the development and future implementation of a proposed One-Stop Shop Center (OSSC).
Spearheaded by Sheku Lexmond Koroma, Director of Investment and Exports at the National Investment Board (NIB), the dialogue brought together a broad cross-section of stakeholders including representatives from key government ministries, local councils, financial institutions, businesses, and development partners. The goal was to build consensus on the structure, financing, and operational framework of the OSSC a centralized facility designed to streamline access to both public and private sector services.
Mr. Koroma underscored the critical role of the NIB in driving investment and supporting economic growth in Sierra Leone. He emphasized that the OSSC will be a game-changer for both service users and business operators.
“The One-Stop Shop Center will not only improve service delivery but also foster transparency, reduce delays, and create an enabling environment for businesses and the general public,” Koroma stated.
Once operational, the OSSC is expected to house integrated services such as business registration, tax processing, land documentation, national identity issuance, and access to utilities including water and electricity. Participants also discussed the importance of digitizing services to enhance efficiency and ensure easier user access.
Yatta Sama, National President of the Farm Federation Sierra Leone, praised the initiative, calling it timely and crucial for expanding economic opportunities, especially in rural areas.
“This initiative is essential for boosting economic productivity and ensuring access to critical services, particularly for agricultural enterprises and rural communities,” she noted.
The event concluded with a shared commitment from all stakeholders to support the timely establishment of the OSSC in Bo positioning it as a pilot model that could be replicated in other districts across Sierra Leone.