Home Blog Page 55

Latest News

Vice President Inspects New International Conference Centre Ahead of ECOWAS Summit

Group of officials in safety vests and casual shirts talking outside a doorway during a site visit.

 

Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, on Sunday, 12 July 2026, inspected the newly completed President Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre in Lungi as preparations intensify for the 69th ECOWAS Summit of Heads of State and Government scheduled for 19 July 2026.

The Vice President was accompanied by senior Government officials during the inspection tour, which formed part of the Government’s final assessment of the facility’s readiness to host the high-level regional gathering.

Led by the project team, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh toured the Centre’s key facilities, including the main plenary hall, media centre, bilateral meeting rooms, VVIP lounges, exhibition spaces and other supporting infrastructure. The inspection focused on evaluating the operational readiness of the modern conference complex ahead of the arrival of regional leaders and delegates.

Speaking after the tour, the Vice President described the President Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre as more than just a physical structure, stating that it represents Sierra Leone’s ambition to strengthen its position in regional diplomacy and expand its capacity to host major international events.

He noted that the facility would create new opportunities for the country’s tourism, hospitality and business sectors while enhancing Sierra Leone’s profile as a destination for global conferences and high-level engagements.

Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh also commended the contractors, consultants, engineers and workers whose commitment and technical expertise made the successful completion of the landmark project possible. He praised their efforts in transforming the Government’s vision into a world-class facility capable of meeting international standards.

The Vice President expressed confidence that the conference centre would serve as a lasting national asset, promoting regional cooperation and supporting Sierra Leone’s long-term economic and diplomatic aspirations.

The President Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre is scheduled to be officially commissioned on 18 July 2026, one day before Sierra Leone hosts the ECOWAS Summit of Heads of State and Government. The facility is expected to play a central role in the summit and future international conferences, reinforcing the country’s growing reputation as a preferred venue for regional and global engagements.

President Bio Grants Clemency to Former President Koroma as ECOWAS Summit Gets Underway

Professional man in a dark navy suit and glasses sits at a desk in an office, with a flag in the background.
President Dr. Julius Maada Bio

 

As Sierra Leone hosts the ECOWAS Mid-Year Statutory Meetings for the first time in more than five decades, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio is reportedly considering a significant gesture of national reconciliation that could pave the way for former President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma’s return from Nigeria through a presidential pardon.

Former President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma has been residing in Abuja, Nigeria, since early 2024 after being granted medical leave while facing treason-related charges linked to the failed coup attempt of November 26, 2023.

Speculation surrounding a possible act of clemency intensified following President Bio’s recent town hall meeting in Makeni, the hometown and political stronghold of the former President. During the engagement with Paramount Chiefs, youth groups and residents, President Bio reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and national cohesion, urging Sierra Leoneans to “break the boundaries of tribalism.”

Sources close to the Presidency indicate that the Makeni engagement also provided an opportunity for the President to assess public sentiment regarding the future of the former Head of State.

Parliamentary sources further indicate that lawmakers are actively discussing the logistics surrounding Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma’s possible return, with a motion relating to his homecoming already tabled for consideration.

Although State House has not issued any official statement confirming plans for a presidential pardon or repatriation, senior Government insiders say President Bio has been quietly weighing the option for several weeks, well before preparations for the ECOWAS summit intensified.

Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara, legal counsel for former President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, has consistently advocated for a peaceful and diplomatic resolution to the matter.

“President Bio has demonstrated that he is inclusive, and his commitment to national unity has been unwavering,” a senior Government official said on condition of anonymity. “The President believes that bringing all Sierra Leoneans together, including former leaders, is essential for the country’s future.”

Meanwhile, the Government’s immediate focus remains the successful hosting of the ECOWAS Mid-Year Statutory Meetings, with President Bio serving as Chief Host for the regional gathering. The proceedings commenced on Sunday, July 12, at the Bintumani International Conference Centre with meetings of the Administration and Finance Committee.

The week-long programme of regional engagements will continue until July 19, culminating in the high-level Summit of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government. However, even as regional leaders deliberate on issues of peace, security and economic integration, domestic political attention remains centred on developments surrounding the legal and constitutional framework governing the possible return of the former President.

Political observers believe that any decision to grant clemency to Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma would represent one of the defining moments of President Bio’s presidency, signaling a commitment to reconciliation that rises above partisan politics and strengthens national unity.

Supporters of the move argue that allowing the former President to return home would serve as a powerful demonstration of statesmanship and reinforce Sierra Leone’s democratic values at a time when the nation is hosting one of West Africa’s most significant diplomatic gatherings.

With the ECOWAS summit now underway in Freetown, attention remains firmly fixed on President Bio as Sierra Leoneans await whether the spirit of regional cooperation and unity showcased during the summit will be accompanied by a landmark act of national reconciliation.

SLCAA Urges Compliance with Mandatory Health Declaration for International Travel

Woman in an orange safety vest speaks at a Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority briefing, with a public notice on the table.

 

The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) has reminded all international passengers travelling to and from Freetown International Airport that completion of the Sierra Leone Health Declaration and Travel Information Form remains mandatory.

In a public notice issued on 13 July 2026, the Authority stated that the requirement applies to all international travellers entering or departing Sierra Leone. The measure is intended to support national public health efforts while ensuring safe, secure and efficient air travel.

SLCAA advised passengers to complete the online Health Declaration Form between 24 and 72 hours before their scheduled departure or arrival in Sierra Leone. Travellers are required to submit the declaration through the official government portal at https://poep.npha.gov.sl.

According to the Authority, passengers who fail to complete the form before arriving at the airport may experience unnecessary delays during check-in, departure or arrival processing.

The Civil Aviation Authority also expressed appreciation to passengers and stakeholders for their continued cooperation in supporting national public health measures and maintaining smooth airport operations.

SLCAA encouraged all travellers to comply with the requirement to help facilitate a seamless travel experience through Freetown International Airport.

1xBet Wrapped Up Game On Promo in Sierra Leone: Winners Received iPhone 16 and Big Cash Prizes!

Four men in 1XBET shirts on a stage, receiving an award, with a blue backdrop and the headline '1XBET Honours Game on Winners in Sierra Leone'

 

Another exciting promo from the reliable brand rewarded players with valuable prizes and great bonuses. From April 1 to May 31, players in Sierra Leone took part in the Game On promo, receiving guaranteed weekly cashback of up to 20% and promo tickets for a huge draw. Winners got cash prizes of up to 11,500 SLE, while the grand prize was an iPhone 16.

To take part in the promo, players had to complete a few simple steps:

  • Register or log in to the 1xBet Sierra Leone platform
  • Click the “Take Part” button on the promo page
  • Place bets of 23 SLE or more on any sports events

Players earned promo tickets for placing bets. The more tickets a player collected, the higher their chances of winning the final prize draw.

The winners’ award ceremony took place in Freetown at Lumley-Aberdeen Beach, Beach Road. After the prize draw, the luckiest participants received the following cash prizes:

  • 11,500 SLE (3 winners)
  • 4,600 SLE (6 winners)
  • 2,300 SLE (8 winners)

Another 30 players received 100 bonus points each.

The luckiest participant, Chernor Bah, won the grand prize, an iPhone 16. As he received his brand-new smartphone, Chernor shared his thoughts on taking part in the promo:

“I want everyone to know that 1xBet is a very reliable brand. Every time they launch a promo, people really do win valuable prizes.”

“I saw an ad for the Game On promo on Facebook, clicked the link, and joined it. Then I placed a few bets in the 1xBet mobile app, and now I’m a winner,” Chernor said.

1xBet sl continues to run promos, prize draws, and offline events for local players. Follow 1xBet on social media to stay up to date with the

President Bio Signals Possible Clemency for Former President Koroma as ECOWAS Summit Opens

Smiling man in a navy suit and glasses sits at a desk with a flag and official seal in the background, appears to be in a formal office.
President Dr. Julius Maada Bio

 

As Sierra Leone hosts the ECOWAS Mid-Year Statutory Meetings for the first time in more than five decades, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio is reportedly considering a significant gesture of national reconciliation that could pave the way for former President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma’s return from Nigeria through a presidential pardon.

Former President Koroma has been residing in Abuja, Nigeria, since early 2024 after being granted medical leave while facing treason-related charges linked to the failed coup attempt of November 26, 2023.

Speculation surrounding a possible act of clemency intensified following President Bio’s recent town hall meeting in Makeni, the hometown and political stronghold of the former President. During the engagement with Paramount Chiefs, youth groups and residents, President Bio reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and national cohesion, urging Sierra Leoneans to “break the boundaries of tribalism.”

Sources close to the Presidency indicate that the Makeni engagement also provided an opportunity for the President to assess public sentiment regarding the future of the former Head of State.

Parliamentary sources further indicate that lawmakers are actively discussing the logistics surrounding Koroma’s possible return, with a motion relating to his homecoming already tabled for consideration.

Although State House has not issued any official statement confirming plans for a presidential pardon or repatriation, senior government insiders say President Bio has been quietly weighing the option for several weeks, well before preparations for the ECOWAS summit intensified.

Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara, legal counsel for former President Koroma, has consistently advocated for a peaceful and diplomatic resolution to the matter.

“President Bio has demonstrated that he is inclusive, and his commitment to national unity has been unwavering,” a senior government official said on condition of anonymity. “The President believes that bringing all Sierra Leoneans together, including former leaders, is essential for the country’s future.”

Meanwhile, the Government’s immediate focus remains the successful hosting of the ECOWAS Mid-Year Statutory Meetings, with President Bio serving as Chief Host for the regional gathering. The proceedings commenced on Sunday, July 12, at the Bintumani International Conference Centre with meetings of the Administration and Finance Committee.

The week-long programme of regional engagements will continue until July 19, culminating in the high-level Summit of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government. However, even as regional leaders deliberate on issues of peace, security and economic integration, domestic political attention remains centred on developments surrounding the legal and constitutional framework governing the possible return of the former President.

Political observers believe that any decision to grant clemency to Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma would represent one of the defining moments of President Bio’s presidency, signalling a commitment to reconciliation that rises above partisan politics and strengthens national unity.

Supporters of the move argue that allowing the former President to return home would serve as a powerful demonstration of statesmanship and reinforce Sierra Leone’s democratic values at a time when the nation is hosting one of West Africa’s most significant diplomatic gatherings.

With the ECOWAS summit now underway in Freetown, attention remains firmly fixed on President Bio as Sierra Leoneans await whether the spirit of regional cooperation and unity showcased during the summit will be accompanied by a landmark act of national reconciliation.

NCRA Assures APC, Moral Guarantors of Credible Civil and Voter Registration Process

Three people sit around a conference table, a woman in patterned dress speaking while others listen. Water bottles and snacks are on the table.

 

The Director General of the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA), Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi, has assured the All People’s Congress (APC), the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) and other Moral Guarantors that the Government of Sierra Leone remains committed to ensuring a credible, transparent and inclusive civil and voter registration process.

The assurance was given during a high-level stakeholder engagement hosted by the NCRA on Friday, July 10, following a request by the APC and facilitated by the ICPNC. The meeting forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen national unity, build confidence in Sierra Leone’s electoral processes and monitor the implementation of the Agreement for National Unity and the recommendations of the Tripartite Committee.

The engagement also followed the visit of the Joint Mission of International Moral Guarantors to Sierra Leone between April 13 and 17, 2026, which reviewed progress made in implementing key electoral reforms and assessed the responsibilities assigned to relevant state institutions, including the NCRA.

During the meeting, Director General, Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi, addressed a number of concerns raised by the APC regarding the integrity, transparency and pace of the ongoing National Identification and Civil Registration exercise, as well as its relationship with the country’s voter registration process.

He explained the safeguards, operational systems and collaborative mechanisms guiding the Authority’s work, stressing that the NCRA remains committed to conducting a process that is credible, inclusive and transparent.

Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi reaffirmed that the Government considers civil registration and voter registration as two essential pillars of democratic governance and national stability. He noted that the NCRA would continue working closely with the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) and other relevant institutions to ensure that the National Identification Number (NIN) system provides a reliable foundation for compiling an accurate and credible voter register.

He further assured participants that the Authority remains committed to openness, accountability and collaboration with all political parties and stakeholders throughout the implementation process.

Participants described the discussions as constructive and productive, with APC representatives expressing appreciation for the NCRA’s willingness to openly address issues of national concern.

Speaking on behalf of the APC, Kelfala Marrah commended Director General Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi for his proactive leadership since assuming office, describing his approach during the engagement as evidence of transparency and a genuine commitment to strengthening public confidence in the institution.

The National Secretary General of the Inter-Religious Council, Rev. Fornah, also praised the Director General’s leadership style, while ICPNC Executive Secretary, Hawa Sally Samai, described his stewardship of the NCRA as mature, inclusive and exemplary.

Hawa Sally Samai reiterated the importance of sustained dialogue among political parties, election management bodies and state institutions in maintaining peace, promoting national cohesion and safeguarding Sierra Leone’s democratic stability ahead of future electoral processes.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continue consultations among stakeholders as implementation of the Agreement for National Unity and the Tripartite Committee recommendations progresses.

The NCRA reaffirmed its readiness to remain a transparent, cooperative and accountable institution in support of credible civil registration and voter registration processes that inspire public confidence and strengthen Sierra Leone’s democratic governance.

Internal Affairs Minister Meets Bike Riders Union Over Lawlessness and Public Safety

Group of adults posing for a formal photo in an office, with portraits on the wall and a banner to the right.

 

The Minister of Internal Affairs, Morie Lengor, has held a high-level engagement with the Executive of the Bike Riders Union (BRU) to address growing concerns over lawlessness, public safety and the conduct of commercial motorcycle riders across Sierra Leone.

The meeting, held on Friday, 10 July 2026, brought together senior officials of the Ministry, representatives of the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) and the leadership of the BRU to discuss a range of issues, including mob justice following road accidents, violent clashes involving bike riders, illegal parking at major junctions and other activities affecting public order and road safety.

Addressing the meeting, Minister Morie Lengor warned that commercial bike riders must stop taking the law into their own hands, stressing that any individual found engaging in unlawful acts would face the full force of the law. He cited the recent violent confrontation between bike riders and the police in Kailahun as an example of the growing trend of indiscipline that requires urgent attention.

He said Government remains committed to protecting the rights of all citizens but emphasized that justice must always be pursued through lawful institutions rather than acts of violence or retaliation. The Minister urged bike riders to conduct their operations responsibly and comply with traffic regulations to help promote national security and public safety.

A key concern raised during the discussions was the recurring practice of some riders setting vehicles on fire whenever a commercial bike rider is involved in a fatal or serious road accident. The Minister strongly condemned the destruction of property, describing the practice as criminal and unacceptable under any circumstances.

He further criticized the union’s former slogan, “Touch One, You Touch All,” stating that it had often been interpreted as encouraging collective retaliation and unlawful conduct. He urged the union’s leadership to strengthen internal discipline and ensure members understand that grievances should be addressed through the appropriate legal channels.

The Minister also called on the BRU Executive to enforce stricter disciplinary measures against members who violate the law, noting that responsible leadership requires decisive action to protect the reputation of the union and the safety of the public.

Supporting the Minister’s position, Deputy Inspector General of Police Andrew M. Kamara and Director of Traffic Management, Assistant Inspector General Abdul Moijueh, acknowledged the cooperation of the BRU leadership but expressed concern over increasing incidents of lawlessness involving commercial bike riders.

The senior police officers highlighted the recent unrest in Kailahun as a serious example of the dangers posed when riders resort to mob action instead of allowing law enforcement agencies to investigate incidents. They urged the union to intensify public education campaigns to discourage vigilante justice and encourage respect for the rule of law.

Responding on behalf of the union, the BRU Executive, including its Vice President and Spokesperson, reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with the Sierra Leone Police and other security agencies to improve compliance with traffic regulations and promote responsible behaviour among commercial motorcycle riders.

The union, however, appealed to the Government through the Ministry of Internal Affairs to address challenges affecting its leadership in carrying out its responsibilities. The executives also pledged to continue sensitizing members on lawful conduct and the importance of reporting grievances through the appropriate authorities.

During the meeting, the BRU officially announced that it had changed its slogan from “Touch One, You Touch All” to “Bike Riders Responsibility and Discipline,” describing the change as a reflection of the union’s commitment to professionalism, accountability and peaceful coexistence.

The meeting concluded with an agreement to establish a joint committee to oversee the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Sierra Leone Police and the Bike Riders Union through fortnightly review meetings. Both parties also agreed to hold a joint press conference to publicly announce the union’s new slogan and reaffirm their shared commitment to strengthening law and order, improving road safety and promoting responsible commercial motorcycle operations across Sierra Leone.

Caritas Freetown Leads Community Clean-Up and Fumigation Drive in Coastal Communities

Group of volunteers in bright safety vests and red gloves cleaning a trash-filled canal, with more workers in the background.

 

Caritas Freetown, with support from CAFOD and in partnership with Community Disaster Management Committees (CDMCs), on Thursday, 9 July 2026, successfully carried out a community cleaning and fumigation campaign in Kolleh Town and Cockle Bay as part of its ongoing Conservation and Livelihood Project aimed at reducing flood risks and improving environmental sanitation.

The initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen community resilience during the rainy season by preventing flooding, improving public health and encouraging greater community participation in environmental conservation.

The exercise brought together 30 community volunteers, comprising 15 participants from each community, who worked alongside Caritas Freetown project staff to clear blocked drainage systems and clean public spaces. The collaborative effort highlighted the commitment of local residents and project partners to safeguarding their communities against the impacts of seasonal flooding.

In Cockle Bay, volunteers cleared one major drainage channel, three smaller drainage channels and surrounding public areas, removing accumulated waste and debris that had obstructed the free flow of rainwater. In Kolleh Town, the team cleaned a 544-metre drainage channel that has historically contributed to flooding during periods of heavy rainfall.

Following the clean-up exercise, fumigation activities were conducted in both communities to reduce mosquito breeding and other disease-carrying pests, contributing to a healthier and safer environment for residents.

The Chairman of the Community Disaster Management Committee in Kolleh Town described the intervention as timely, particularly at the height of the rainy season. He also informed the Freetown City Council (FCC) about the exercise and mobilised additional community youth to support the clean-up efforts, further demonstrating the strong sense of community ownership and collective responsibility fostered through the project.

To facilitate the exercise, Caritas Freetown provided essential cleaning tools and protective equipment, including wheelbarrows, shovels, pickaxes, head pans, gloves and other safety materials. Those resources enabled volunteers to carry out the work safely and efficiently while improving sanitation across both communities.

Project officials noted that the exercise significantly improved drainage flow by removing blockages that could have contributed to flooding. The fumigation campaign also helped minimize the risk of mosquito-borne and other vector-borne diseases, thereby promoting healthier living conditions.

Beyond the immediate environmental and public health benefits, the initiative strengthened collaboration between community members, local leaders and Caritas Freetown. It also reinforced community ownership of environmental protection measures and enhanced local capacity to respond to the challenges posed by seasonal flooding.

Caritas Freetown reaffirmed its commitment to working with communities and development partners to promote sustainable environmental management, disaster risk reduction and resilient livelihoods across vulnerable coastal communities in Sierra Leone.

MP Urges Government to Implement Africa–EU Assembly Commitments

Man in a dark shirt speaks in a formal meeting room, holding a white folder with blue seats and microphones in the background.
Deputy Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma

 

The Deputy Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma, on Thursday, 9th July 2026, tabled the report on the First Session of the Africa–EU Parliamentary Assembly, which was held in Ezulwini, Kingdom of Eswatini, from 7th to 14th May 2026.

Presenting the report on behalf of the Leader of Government Business and Head of Delegation, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma, Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma informed Parliament that the Assembly was convened under the Samoa Agreement, which replaced the Cotonou Agreement and established a renewed framework for parliamentary cooperation between the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union (EU).

He explained that the Assembly brought together Parliamentarians from 79 OACPS member states and 27 European Union member states, representing more than 1.5 billion people, with the objective of strengthening intercontinental dialogue, cooperation and parliamentary oversight.

During the presentation, Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma urged the Government of Sierra Leone to expedite the ratification of the Samoa Agreement, stressing that its timely implementation would enhance the country’s participation in the evolving Africa–EU partnership.

The report highlighted key addresses delivered during the Assembly, including remarks by OACPS Secretary-General, Moussa S. Batraki, who underscored the critical role of national parliaments in translating international commitments into practical benefits for citizens. Discussions at the Assembly focused on peace and security, youth empowerment, regional cooperation, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), value addition in Africa’s extractive industries, stronger parliamentary oversight and equitable economic partnerships.

The report also referenced the European Union Ambassador’s address, which called for visionary and inclusive leadership to promote political stability, sustainable economic growth, youth empowerment and security. The Ambassador further emphasized the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies to drive innovation while safeguarding future generations.

Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma stated that one of the Assembly’s strongest messages was the growing importance of parliamentary diplomacy in advancing peace, development and international cooperation. He noted that, as direct representatives of the people, Members of Parliament possess a unique democratic mandate to foster dialogue, resolve differences, strengthen regional integration and influence international policy for the benefit of their citizens.

He further observed that parliamentary diplomacy has evolved beyond being a complementary aspect of traditional diplomacy and has become an indispensable instrument for peacebuilding, accountability, democratic governance and development cooperation.

Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma also commended Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma for what he described as exemplary leadership and effective representation of Sierra Leone during the Assembly. He called on the Government to implement the resolutions and commitments emerging from the Africa–EU Parliamentary Assembly to maximize the benefits for the country.

The report concluded with a series of recommendations aimed at accelerating the ratification and implementation of the Samoa Agreement, while strengthening parliamentary cooperation between Africa and the European Union to promote sustainable development, democratic governance and shared prosperity.

Invest Salone, BII Launch Investment Readiness Resources to Strengthen Sierra Leonean SMEs

Diverse professionals against a vibrant Africa-themed backdrop of mountains, wind turbines, and solar panels, symbolizing sustainable investment in energy and development.

 

Invest Salone, with support from the United Kingdom Government and in collaboration with British International Investment (BII) through the Africa Resilience Investment Accelerator (ARIA), has officially launched a suite of investment readiness resources aimed at helping Sierra Leonean Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) attract investment and achieve sustainable business growth.

The newly launched resources include the Sierra Leone Investment Toolkit, an Investment Readiness Scorecard and a Business Advisor Directory, all designed to equip businesses with practical guidance to improve their investment readiness while strengthening the country’s private sector ecosystem.

The initiative comes at a time when Sierra Leone is intensifying efforts to attract greater domestic and foreign investment. While access to finance remains a major challenge for many businesses, stakeholders say many SMEs also struggle to secure funding because they lack the governance structures, financial management systems, operational capacity and responsible business practices that investors typically require.

The centrepiece of the initiative is the Investment Readiness Scorecard, a free and anonymous online self-assessment tool that allows businesses to evaluate their preparedness for investment. After completing the assessment, businesses are categorized into one of three investment readiness stages and receive tailored recommendations highlighting the areas they need to strengthen to improve their investment prospects.

According to the developers, the scorecard functions solely as a diagnostic tool and does not collect or store users’ personal data.

Complementing the scorecard is the Sierra Leone Investment Toolkit, which provides practical guidance on the key areas investors examine before committing capital. Those include corporate governance, financial management, business strategy, operational systems, environmental and social management, as well as legal and regulatory compliance. Rather than serving as an investor assessment, the toolkit is intended to help businesses understand investor expectations and build stronger internal systems that support long-term growth.

The third resource, the Business Advisor Directory, offers businesses a practical reference point for identifying professional service providers operating in Sierra Leone who can provide specialized support during their investment journey. While the directory highlights available expertise, organizers emphasized that it does not constitute an endorsement of any listed provider.

Together, the three resources provide businesses with a structured pathway to assess their current position, identify operational gaps, strengthen internal systems and improve their overall attractiveness to potential investors. The resources are also expected to benefit transaction advisers, business development service providers and organisations working to strengthen Sierra Leone’s private sector.

The resources were developed following consultations and workshops with Sierra Leonean SMEs to ensure they reflect the practical challenges businesses face while seeking investment. The programme also builds upon lessons learned from similar investment readiness initiatives implemented across other frontier markets while tailoring the content specifically to Sierra Leone’s business environment.

Speaking on the launch, Pooja Melwani of Invest Salone said every business is at a different stage of its investment journey, noting that understanding a company’s current position is the first step toward becoming investment ready.

She explained that the resources enable businesses to assess their strengths, identify weaknesses and access practical guidance to improve their investment proposition.

“As our programme comes to a close this year, we are pleased to leave behind a lasting resource that will continue supporting Sierra Leonean businesses on their journey to attracting investment,” she stated.

Also speaking, Alex Kucharski, Director of Market Creation at BII Plus, said the three resources will help businesses better understand their readiness for investment, identify suitable investors and connect with local advisory services capable of supporting their growth.

He said BII was pleased to collaborate with Invest Salone through the ARIA platform to strengthen Sierra Leone’s investment ecosystem, describing the initiative as part of the institution’s broader commitment to supporting frontier markets through practical market creation and technical assistance that improve conditions for private investment.

The newly launched Investment Toolkit, Investment Readiness Scorecard and Business Advisor Directory are now publicly available through the Invest Salone website, providing Sierra Leonean businesses with accessible digital tools to strengthen their operations, meet investor expectations and position themselves for future investment opportunities.

Invest Salone is a UK-funded private sector development programme focused on increasing investment, supporting export growth and addressing barriers that hinder business expansion in Sierra Leone. British International Investment serves as the United Kingdom’s development finance institution and impact investor, supporting businesses across developing countries to promote economic growth, reduce poverty and accelerate climate action.

The Africa Resilience Investment Accelerator (ARIA), which supports the initiative, operates across seven African frontier markets, including Sierra Leone, and is funded by British International Investment, FMO and Proparco to help mobilize investment and strengthen local business ecosystems.

1...545556...1,423Page 55 of 1,423