By: Mohamed J. Bangura
Sierra Leone’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay, has presented the proposed Companies and Allied Matters Bill at the World Bank Group’s Law, Justice and Development Forum in Washington, D.C., highlighting the Government’s commitment to modernizing business legislation, improving the investment climate and promoting private sector growth.
The presentation was made during the international forum held in November 2026, which brought together Attorneys-General and Ministers of Justice from various countries to discuss how effective legal systems can promote investment, strengthen institutions and support sustainable economic development.
The proposed Companies and Allied Matters Bill seeks to simplify business registration procedures, strengthen the regulatory framework and create a more conducive environment for entrepreneurs and investors operating in Sierra Leone.
One of the key provisions of the proposed legislation is the consolidation of existing company and business registration laws into a single legal framework. It also provides for an online business registration system designed to reduce administrative bottlenecks, improve efficiency and make it easier for entrepreneurs to register and formalize their businesses.
If enacted, the Bill will repeal and replace the Companies Act of 2009, as amended in 2014, the Registration of Business Act of 2007 and the General Law (Business Start-Up) (Amendment) Act of 2007.
The proposed reforms are intended to address gaps and weaknesses in the existing legal framework while establishing a more coordinated, transparent and efficient system for business registration, regulation and administration.
During the discussions, Attorney-General Sesay underscored the importance of modernizing business laws to attract private sector investment, improve the ease of doing business and advance Sierra Leone’s broader economic development agenda.
Beyond company law reforms, the forum examined other legal and institutional issues, including financial sector legislation, contract enforcement, business regulations and the importance of environmental and social safeguards in promoting responsible investment.
Participants also explored the potential of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, to improve legal systems, strengthen institutional capacity and enhance the delivery of justice.
Sierra Leone’s participation provided an opportunity to exchange experiences with other countries, learn from international best practices and strengthen partnerships with development institutions in support of ongoing legal and institutional reforms.
The engagement forms part of the Government’s broader efforts to improve the business environment, strengthen public institutions and establish a predictable regulatory framework that inspires investor confidence.
Once enacted, the Companies and Allied Matters Bill is expected to simplify business registration, reduce regulatory barriers and encourage the formalization and expansion of enterprises. These reforms could also contribute to employment creation, increased private sector participation and sustainable economic growth in Sierra Leone.