By: Saidu Jalloh
The Executive Director of the National Investment Board (NIB), Edward Hinga Sandy, has called for increased investment in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), describing them as key drivers of economic growth, job creation, and private sector development in Sierra Leone.
He made the call while speaking at the Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project (SLEDP) Investor Roundtable held in Freetown.
Dr. Sandy urged investors to move beyond expressing interest and translate commitments into concrete business deals that will enable local enterprises to expand and contribute meaningfully to national development.
The roundtable, held under the theme “Converting Investor Interest into Closed Transactions,” brought together investors, development partners, government agencies, business leaders, and 21 investment-ready Sierra Leonean SMEs seeking financing and strategic partnerships. The event was organized under the Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project, with support from the World Bank and the Ministry of Finance.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Sandy said Sierra Leone is steadily positioning itself as an emerging investment destination in West Africa through ongoing reforms aimed at improving the business environment and strengthening investor confidence.
He highlighted several initiatives by the NIB to simplify investment procedures, including the establishment of the One Stop Shop Business Solutions Centre, the proposed Companies and Business Registration Bill, and plans to introduce an online business registration system.
Dr. Sandy further noted that the SMEs participating in the roundtable represent some of the country’s most promising enterprises in sectors such as tourism, hospitality, agribusiness, technology, innovation, and the creative economy. He stressed that sustained investment in these businesses could significantly accelerate economic diversification and job creation.
The NIB Executive Director also took part in a high-level panel discussion on the SME Ecosystem and Policy Opportunities Forum, where stakeholders examined strategies to strengthen private sector coordination, expand trade and investment opportunities, and create a more enabling environment for business growth.
Representatives from the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Sierra Leone Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, and The Betts Firm Consult also participated in the discussion. They focused on policies aimed at supporting entrepreneurship and attracting sustainable investment.
Participants at the forum agreed that stronger collaboration between government, investors, and the private sector is essential to unlocking the growth potential of local enterprises and sustaining economic transformation.
The roundtable concluded with renewed commitments from stakeholders to enhance support for SMEs through improved access to capital, strategic partnerships, and policy reforms designed to foster a competitive and investor-friendly business environment.