NIB Launches One-Stop Business Registration Center to Boost Investment in Sierra Leone

By Abdulai Fofanah

The National Investment Board (NIB) has, on Friday, 27th March, 2026; officially handed over the One-Stop-Shop Business Registration Center, also known as the Business Solution Center, at its office on 3 Jomo Kenyatta Road in Freetown.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Executive Director of NIB, Dr. Edward Hinga Sandy, described the initiative as a major milestone in the government’s efforts to improve the ease of doing business in Sierra Leone. He said the center demonstrates government’s commitment to transparent and investor friendly service delivery.

Dr. Sandy explained that the One-Stop-Shop Business Registration Center was established with support from the Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project, funded by the World Bank. According to him, the initiative aligns with the government’s broader agenda to promote private sector development, attract foreign direct investment, and support the growth and formalization of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

He further noted that NIB was created through the merging of four key institutions to improve coordination, eliminate duplication, and enhance service delivery for investors. He said the Board now serves as the government’s lead investment promotion agency and a one-stop shop for investment facilitation.

“The One-Stop-Shop Business Registration Center brings together critical services under one roof, including business registration and incorporation, licenses and permits, tax and regulatory support, and investor facilitation services,” he said.

Dr. Sandy emphasized that the center would significantly reduce processing time and cost, minimize bureaucratic bottlenecks, and improve transparency and accountability.

He added that the success of the initiative would depend on strong collaboration among Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), local councils, and institutions such as the Immigration Department, the National Revenue Authority, the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Minerals Agency, the National Civil Registration Authority, and the National Lands Commission, among others.

“This reflects a whole of government approach to investment facilitation. We therefore encourage MDAs to strengthen coordination and responsiveness, and we also encourage the private sector to utilize the center’s services and provide feedback for continuous improvement,” he noted.

Dr. Sandy clarified that the One-Stop Center is not just a facility but a reform platform expected to deliver faster business start-up processes, increase investor confidence, improve business environment rankings, and enhance both domestic and foreign investment flows, leading to job creation and economic growth.

He expressed appreciation to the Government of Sierra Leone, the World Bank, and the Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project for their support.

He also disclosed that the validation of revised and consolidated laws on business registration and allied matters has been completed, adding that another ceremony would soon be convened to mark the passage of the law.

Dr. Sandy reaffirmed NIB’s commitment to delivering efficient services, supporting investors, and driving climate and economic reforms aimed at making Sierra Leone a preferred destination for investment.

A representative of the World Bank, Ramy, described the center as a critical support system for new businesses, especially SMEs and entrepreneurs. He noted that starting a business involves significant risk, and locating the right offices should not be one of them.

He said bringing all required services and offices into one place would make the process simpler, faster, and more predictable factors that are essential for business start-ups.

“It is not just useful from an administrative perspective, but also from a broader economic standpoint. When it is easier to start a formal business, it becomes easier to operate, grow, and access finance. Ultimately, this will help firms expand their revenues,” he said.

He added that such reforms are important for global indicators like the World Bank’s Business Ready measure, which assesses the efficiency and effectiveness of a country’s business environment.

Ramy also highlighted the project’s gender outcomes, noting that the inclusion of a children’s room at NIB is a significant achievement. He urged stakeholders to remain vigilant in implementation and to continue learning throughout the process.

“We are really proud, as the World Bank and key members of the Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project, to support this initiative,” he said.

The Financial Secretary at the Ministry of Finance, Matthew Dingie, said the establishment of a one-stop shop had long been an ambition of the government and represents a critical first step in business reform.

He revealed that the idea was inspired by a visit to Tbilisi, Georgia, in December 2018, during efforts to implement electronic cash machines for the National Revenue Authority. He said the delegation studied reforms in selected European countries to inform Sierra Leone’s approach.

“We are now going to have a center where, if you want to do business in Sierra Leone, you walk into this building at 8:00 a.m., and by 12 noon, you would have your certificate of incorporation,” he said.

Mr. Dingie added that the reform would help prevent investors from being duped and advised prospective business owners to visit the One-Stop Center directly instead of going through intermediaries or sector ministries.

Also speaking, the Deputy Director of NIB, Mahawa Fatima Sandi, said Sierra Leone is making steady progress in improving the ease of doing business. She noted that past challenges, including cases of investors being misled, stemmed from the absence of a centralized source of reliable information.

She explained that the One-Stop-Shop serves not only large investors but also SMEs and informal sector operators, with a focus on formalizing businesses across the board.

“We have catered for all types of businesses, especially those in the informal sector. This is to ensure that no one is left behind, particularly women, who make up the majority in the informal economy,” she said.

She added that bringing informal businesses into the formal sector would boost revenue generation and contribute to sustained economic growth.