By: Saidu Jalloh
The National Investment Board (NIB) has requested a Le22 million ($916,000) budget for 2026 to accelerate investment promotion efforts and launch a digital platform that will enable businesses to complete registration within 24 hours.
Edward Hinga Sandy, the Executive Director of NIB, presented the 2026–2028 expenditure framework to the Ministry of Finance, outlining the board’s priorities for attracting both foreign and local investment. These priorities include promoting public-private partnerships and streamlining corporate services to improve the ease of doing business.
“Our goal is to channel private capital into sectors like infrastructure, energy, and other enabling areas that are essential for economic growth,” Sandy stated.
The requested allocation represents a slight increase from last year’s Le19.5 million budget. Sandy explained that the additional funds would be used to digitize business registration, establish a one-stop shop for investors, and develop bankable project profiles in priority sectors such as roads, maritime infrastructure, and energy.
Sandy also announced plans to revise business registration fees to a range of $50–$60 in an effort to boost revenue for NIB operations.
The Executive Director stressed that infrastructure development is central to attracting both local and international investors. He emphasized the importance of creating an environment where enabling infrastructure such as reliable roads, energy, and ports is in place to allow investors to channel resources into productive ventures.
“We are working with development partners to secure additional support, but infrastructure remains the foundation for driving sustainable investment,” Sandy said.
Sandy reiterated that the NIB’s efforts align with the government’s Medium-Term National Development Plan and the “Big Five” priorities, aiming to position Sierra Leone as one of West Africa’s leading destinations for foreign direct investment (FDI).