NIB Hands Over One-Stop Shop Business Registration Center in Freetown
By Sorie Sesay
The National Investment Board (NIB) on 27 March 2026 officially handed over a One-Stop Shop Business Registration Center in Freetown, marking a significant step in efforts to streamline business processes in Sierra Leone.
The center, located at the NIB office on Jomo Kenyatta Road, was developed under the Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project and is designed to bring multiple business-related services under one roof.
Speaking at the ceremony, NIB Executive Director Edward Hinga Sandy described the initiative as a major milestone for both the institution and the country. He said the facility would simplify business registration and improve accountability for investors and operators in both the public and private sectors.
“The establishment of this center reflects government’s commitment to delivering efficient, transparent, inclusive, and investor-friendly services,” Dr. Sandy stated, while acknowledging the support of government and development partners.
He noted that the project, funded by the World Bank, aligns with national efforts to promote private sector growth, attract foreign investment, and support small and medium-sized enterprises.
According to Dr. Sandy, the NIB was created to improve coordination among investment-related institutions, eliminate duplication of functions, and enhance service delivery. He added that consolidating services such as business registration, licensing, and permits in a single location would reduce delays and increase efficiency.
Also speaking at the event, Rami Galal commended the NIB and its partners for delivering the project, noting that starting a business often involves significant risk, particularly during the registration phase.
He said the new center simplifies procedures by centralizing services, making it easier, faster, and more convenient for entrepreneurs to establish businesses in Sierra Leone.
Mr. Galal emphasized that beyond administrative improvements, the center would contribute to broader economic development by enabling businesses to operate more effectively and access financing opportunities.
He added that reforms aimed at simplifying business processes are critical indicators of an efficient business environment, improving transparency and accelerating institutional performance.
The One-Stop Shop Business Registration Center is expected to play a key role in strengthening Sierra Leone’s investment climate and supporting sustainable economic growth.
