By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Executive Director of the National Investment Board (NIB), Dr. Edward Hinga Sandy, has called for stronger investment support for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), describing them as a critical driver of economic growth, job creation, and private sector development in Sierra Leone.
Dr. Sandy made the call on Wednesday, 11 June 2026, while delivering the opening remarks at the Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project (SLEDP) Investor Roundtable held at the Bintumani Conference Centre in Freetown. The event was held under the theme, “Converting Investor Interest into Closed Transactions.”
The roundtable, organised under SLEDP with support from the World Bank and the Ministry of Finance, brought together investors, development partners, government institutions, business leaders, and twenty-one investment-ready Sierra Leonean SMEs seeking to attract capital and strategic partnerships. The initiative was implemented by IBF Expertise SA in partnership with The Betts Firm Consult.
In his address, Dr. Sandy said Sierra Leone is steadily repositioning itself as an emerging investment destination in West Africa through ongoing reforms designed to improve the business environment and strengthen investor confidence.
He highlighted several key initiatives undertaken by the National Investment Board to facilitate investment, including the establishment of the One Stop Shop Business Solutions Centre, the proposed Companies and Business Registration Bill, and the forthcoming Online Business Registration System.
According to Dr. Sandy, the SMEs participating in the roundtable represent some of Sierra Leone’s most promising enterprises across sectors such as tourism, hospitality, agribusiness, technology, innovation, and the creative economy. He urged investors to move beyond expressions of interest and pursue concrete business transactions that will enable local enterprises to expand, generate employment opportunities, and contribute meaningfully to national development.
As part of the event, Dr. Sandy also participated in a high-level panel discussion on the SME Ecosystem and Policy Opportunities Forum alongside representatives from the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Sierra Leone Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, and The Betts Firm Consult.
The panel discussions focused on strengthening collaboration within the private sector, expanding trade and investment opportunities, and creating an enabling environment for sustainable business growth and entrepreneurship.
The Investor Roundtable further reaffirmed the Government of Sierra Leone’s commitment to fostering a competitive investment climate and supporting SMEs as key drivers of economic transformation, innovation, and inclusive growth. Stakeholders expressed optimism that stronger partnerships between government, investors, and local businesses will help unlock the country’s economic potential and accelerate sustainable development.
