By: Saidu Jalloh
The National Investment Board (NIB), in collaboration with the Office of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice and with support from the Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project, has completed a national validation process for a draft Companies and Allied Matters Bill aimed at reforming Sierra Leone’s business laws.
The validation workshop, held at Freetown City Council Hall, brought together government officials, lawmakers, private sector representatives, legal experts, and development partners to review and strengthen the proposed legislation.
Speaking at the event, NIB Executive Director Dr. Edward Hinga Sandy described the bill as a major step toward improving the country’s legal and economic framework. He explained that the proposed law aims to simplify company registration processes, promote transparency, and strengthen corporate governance, while also supporting startups and small businesses.
A representative from the Attorney-General’s office, Alpha Bah, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reforms that reduce administrative bottlenecks and create a more predictable environment for investors. He added that the bill is central to strengthening private sector growth and aligning Sierra Leone with international business standards.
Legal consultants from Tejan-Cole, Yillah and Partners, including Ibrahim Sorie Yillah and Michaella Mackey, noted that the draft law incorporates digital business registration systems and reflects input gathered from extensive stakeholder consultations.
Participants at the workshop also proposed renaming the legislation to the “Companies and Business Registration Act 2026” to better capture its broader scope.
In his closing remarks, NIB Public-Private Partnership Director Mohamed Abu Sesay thanked stakeholders for their contributions and encouraged continued public engagement with the draft law.
The proposed legislation forms part of wider efforts to modernize Sierra Leone’s business environment, improve regulatory efficiency, and attract sustainable investment.