By: Saidu Jalloh
The National Investment Board (NIB) in collaboration with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Sierra Leone has convened a high-level investment dialogue with the Chinese Chamber of Commerce (CCC) and representatives from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to address challenges affecting Chinese investors and strengthen the country’s investment climate.
The roundtable discussion, held at the NIB headquarters on 3 Jomo Kenyatta Road in Freetown, brought together government officials, diplomats, and private sector representatives to explore practical solutions aimed at improving the business environment and attracting more foreign direct investment into Sierra Leone.
Delivering the keynote address, NIB Executive Director Dr. Edward Hinga Sandy said the engagement demonstrated the Government’s commitment to creating a transparent, predictable, and investor-friendly environment. He explained that the dialogue provided an opportunity for stakeholders to identify and address challenges faced by Chinese businesses operating in Sierra Leone.
Dr. Sandy reaffirmed the NIB’s role as a bridge between investors and government institutions through investment facilitation, aftercare services, policy advocacy, and institutional coordination. He emphasized that sustainable investment growth depends on policy consistency, regulatory transparency, and continuous collaboration between the public and private sectors.
Secretary at the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone, Mr. Liu Siyo, described the engagement as an important step towards deepening understanding and cooperation between the Government of Sierra Leone and Chinese enterprises. He encouraged Chinese companies operating in the country to comply with Sierra Leone’s laws while expressing hope that the government would continue to protect the legitimate rights and interests of investors.
The Acting President of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Sierra Leone, Mr. Wang Bin, commended the government for creating a platform that allows direct engagement with the private sector. He noted that Chinese companies have invested in several sectors of the economy, contributing to job creation and national development.
However, Mr. Bin highlighted several concerns affecting Chinese businesses, including limited consultation before the introduction of new investment policies, inconsistent implementation of regulations, delays in payments to contractors, and lengthy and costly procedures for obtaining work and residence permits.
He also called for stronger protection of lawful investments and improved incentives for investors operating in strategic sectors of the economy.
Responding to these concerns, government representatives outlined ongoing reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business in Sierra Leone. The NIB disclosed plans to establish an integrated One-Stop Investment Centre, which will bring together business registration, licensing, and permit services under one platform. The initiative will also include a digital system designed to simplify investor services and reduce administrative barriers.
Officials further reminded investors of their legal responsibilities, including submitting annual company returns, complying with labour regulations, and adhering to local content requirements.
The NIB also announced that it would coordinate follow-up engagements with relevant MDAs to ensure the implementation of agreed action points and strengthen collaboration between government institutions and investors.
In response, Mr. Wang Bin pledged to encourage greater compliance among members of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce while maintaining constructive engagement with the government.
The meeting concluded with a commitment from both sides to institutionalize regular dialogue between government and investors as part of broader efforts to resolve business challenges, improve investor confidence, and attract increased foreign direct investment to Sierra Leone.