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Monday 08:00 - 16:45 Tuesday 08:00 - 16:45 Wednesday 08:00 - 16:45 Thursday 08:00 - 16:45 Friday 08:00 - 15:00

National Investment Board - NIB, 3 Jomo Kenyatta Road Freetown, Freetown (2026)

17/08/2026

*NIB PAYS A COURTESY CALL ON THE CHINESE AMBASSADOR TO SIERRA LEONE*

*FREETOWN, SIERRA LEONE – 15 AUGUST 2026:* The National Investment Board (NIB) has paid a courtesy call on the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Sierra Leone, Ambassador Zhao Yong, as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations, investment cooperation and economic ties between Sierra Leone and China.

Receiving the NIB delegation, Ambassador Zhao Yong thanked them for the visit. He noted the longstanding diplomatic and trade relationship between the two countries and expressed his commitment to continuing deepening that relationship for the mutual benefit of both countries. Ambassador Yong acknowledged Sierra Leone’s steady investment growth trajectory and the presence of Chines businesses in the Country.

When updating the Ambassador on the progressing relationship betweent NIB, the Embassy, and the Chinese business community, the Executive Director of NIB, Dr. Edward Hinga Sandy, stated that China had envisaged the strengthening of bilateral ties as part of its broader strategy of cooperation with Sierra Leone. He noted that, the relationship was reflected in not only what the Embassy has done, but also in what it plans to do that will impact Sierra Leone’s development trajectory.

Dr. Sandy highlighted the stable growth of Chinese businesses and investment activities in Sierra Leone, reaffirming NIB’s commitment to supporting and facilitating this growth.

Dr. Sandy further highlighted NIB’s collaboration with the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in promoting investment, protecting minority investors and creating opportunities for Chinese businesses in Sierra Leone. He noted that NIB had participated in two investment promotion events in China and facilitated an agreement between the Wuhan Society of Geological Studies and the National Minerals Agency (NMA), which resulted in six scholarships from the China University of Geosciences.

He acknowledged the support received from the Chinese Embassy, particularly in equipment and capacity building, with digitalisation identified as one of the most significant areas of support.

He informed the Ambassador that NIB’s progress towards operationalising the Online Business Registration (OBR) system, which will enable businesses to register and obtain relevant information online. He also noted that the Board is working towards digitalising registered business files to facilitate easier access to information and improve the efficiency of investment and business facilitation services.

The NIB Executive Director solicited the support of the Chinese Embassy in advancing the NIB’s digitalisation agenda and other investment facilitation initiatives. He said NIB was desired in learning from China’s investment promotion and facilitation institutions by engaging them directly and understanding systems and procedures that could be adapted to strengthen Sierra Leone’s investment promotion and facilitation processes.

Dr. Sandy also outlined NIB’s plans to package investment opportunities into well-developed projects, providing investors with detailed and relevant information to support informed investment decisions and reduce bureaucratic processes.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from both sides to work closely together to deepen cooperation and create more opportunities for businesses and investors from Sierra Leone and China.

*©️NIB COMS*

16/08/2026

*NIB Commends SLBL for Supporting Local Sorghum Farmers*

*14/08/2026:* The National Investment Board (NIB) has commended Sierra Leone Brewery Limited (SLBL), part of the Sierra Bottling Group (SBG), for supporting local farmers through its Sorghum Local Sourcing Awards and Incentives 2026 initiative.

The event, which took place at SLBL Wellington Industrial Estate office in Freetown, was held under the theme “Empowering Local Farmers, Building a Stronger Sierra Leone,” brought together SLBL management, sorghum farmers, and other stakeholders to recognize farmers who demonstrated outstanding performance in meeting and exceeding their supply targets.

Speaking on behalf of the Executive Director of NIB, the Director of Export Promotion at NIB, Bobson Margai, congratulated the farmers and SLBL for promoting local sourcing and creating opportunities for farmers to participate meaningfully in the value chain. He commended SLBL for recognizing and incentivizing farmers who exceeded their supply targets, noting that such initiatives can encourage increased production and strengthen linkages between local producers and industry.

Mr. Margai also highlighted NIB's role in promoting investment, supporting businesses, and facilitating access to opportunities in Sierra Leone’s private sector. He encouraged farmers and businesses to formalize their operations by registering with NIB, noting that formalization can help them access available support and opportunities.

The Local Sourcing Manager of SLBL, Joseph Edson Sisy, commended the farmers for their commitment and congratulated them for exceeding the company’s target, with 1,400 metric tonnes of sorghum supplied during the period. He noted that 12 farmers distinguished themselves by exceeding their individual quotas and encouraged all farmers to build on the achievement in the coming year.

The Managing Director of SLBL, Hennrey du Plessis, also expressed appreciation to the farmers, acknowledging their important contribution to the company’s achievement. He emphasized that the milestone would not have been possible without the dedication and commitment of the farmers.

Chairman of the Sorghum Farmers, Denis Jusu, thanked SLBL for organizing the awards and recognizing the efforts of farmers. He noted that the incentives would motivate farmers to increase their production and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the partnership.

The ceremony also featured testimonials from farmers, who shared their experiences and expressed appreciation for the support and partnership provided by SLBL.

The event was climaxed by the presentation of incentive cheques to 12 outstanding farmers who exceeded their respective supply quotas. The recognition is expected to further motivate farmers to increase production and strengthen local sourcing in the coming year.

*©️NIB COMS*

15/08/2026

*WORLD BANK COUNTRY MANAGER PAYS FAREWELL VISIT TO NIB*

*13/08/2026:* The World Bank Country Manager for Sierra Leone has paid a farewell visit to the National Investment Board (NIB) at its headquarters, where he informed the leadership of the conclusion of his assignment in Sierra Leone. The engagement provided an opportunity to reflect on the strong partnership between NIB and the World Bank and the progress achieved through their collaboration.

Welcoming the Country Manager and his delegation, the Executive Director of NIB, Dr. Edward Hinga Sandy, expressed appreciation for the World Bank’s continued support to the institution. He highlighted the significant gains achieved through the partnership, including support for key institutional reforms, digital transformation, investment promotion, and the strengthening of NIB’s capacity to deliver on its mandate.

Dr. Sandy further acknowledged the Country Manager’s contribution to strengthening the relationship between the two institutions and expressed hope for continued World Bank support to NIB beyond his tenure. He emphasised the importance of sustaining the partnership. He sought the Bank’s continued support towards the effective implementation of the National Investment Strategy (NIS) as the Board advances its investment facilitation and private sector development agenda.

In his response, the World Bank Country Manager, Dr. Abdu Muwonge, reaffirmed the Bank’s continued support to NIB and Sierra Leone’s development priorities. He acknowledged the progress achieved through the partnership and expressed appreciation for the strong collaboration with NIB during his tenure.

The visit concluded with a tour of the NIB facility, where the delegation was shown various areas that showcase the technical and institutional support provided by the World Bank to strengthen the Board’s operations and service delivery.

The engagement reaffirmed the commitment of NIB and the World Bank Group to sustaining their partnership and advancing investment promotion, private sector development, institutional strengthening, and investment-led economic transformation in Sierra Leone.

*©️NIB COMS*

13/08/2026

*NIB AND NADDC MOVE TO DEVELOP AUTOMOTIVE TRADE TIES*

*Freetown, 6th/8/2026, Sierra Leone:* On the sidelines of the ongoing 2026 Nigeria–Sierra Leone Trade Fair, the National Investment Board (NIB) and the Nigeria's National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) met at NIB headquarters to develop a collaborative relationship between the two agencies, with automotive trade and investment at the center of discussions.

Dr. Onyeka Y. Nwafor, the CEO of YENNCO World Trade Fair and a Trade Consultant, said that, the visit's sole aim was to build a collaborative relationship between NIB and NADDC, describing the initiative as a pivotal objective of the Nigeria–Sierra Leone Trade Fair.

The Deputy Director of Press and Public Relations of NADDC, Ikechukwu Okoha, expressed NADDC’s interest in collaborating with the NIB to create opportunities for Nigerian automotive companies to establish vehicle assembly and component manufacturing operations in Sierra Leone. He explained that NADDC, is responsible for developing, supervising and regulating policies and programmes for locally manufactured vehicles and components.

He noted that Nigeria has more than 30 vehicle assembly companies producing various types of vehicles, including specialized vehicles for the military and police. According to him, with the right government policies and enabling environment, Sierra Leone could attract automotive investments that would create jobs, reduce dependence on imported vehicles, strengthen technological capacity, and contribute to broader economic growth in the country and the West African region.

During his remarks, the Executive Director of NIB, Dr. Edward Hinga Sandy, welcomed the visiting delegation and assured them of his agency's readiness to collaborate with NADDC. He noted the close diplomatic and trade ties between the two countries, adding that establishing vehicle assembly companies in Sierra Leone would support economic growth as well as skills and technology transfer. He linked the initiative to the broader goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS), both of which aim to boost trade and commerce across the region. He said the two countries should build on the collaboration as a testament to the strength of their economic relationship.

The Director of Investment Promotion and Export, Mr. Shecku Lexmond Koroma, thanked the organizers of the ongoing Nigeria–Sierra Leone Trade Fair, which he said had served as the connecting thread bringing about the collaboration visit and helping the two countries unlock new investment opportunities.

The meeting concluded with an agreement to set up a steering committee comprising representatives from both parties. The committee will drive efforts toward realizing the collaboration and advance talks on establishing an automotive trade partnership between the two countries.

*©️NIB COMS*

06/08/2026

*NIB and UNDP Deepen Strategic Partnership to Advance Sierra Leone's Investment Reforms and Institutional Development*

*5/08/2026:* The National Investment Board (NIB) hosted the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP-SL) Deputy Resident Representative and his delegation at the NIB headquarters, Freetown, for a high-level engagement aimed at strengthening institutional collaboration and identifying new areas of partnership to support Sierra Leone's investment and private sector development agenda.

Welcoming the delegation, the Executive Director of NIB, Dr. Edward Hinga Sandy, highlighted the establishment of the NIB through the merger of key investment institutions, noting that the reform has created a more coordinated and efficient investment promotion and facilitation framework. He expressed appreciation to UNDP for its continuous support to the institution, particularly in strengthening NIB's operational capacity following the establishment of the Board. He highlighted UNDP's support in developing a unified NIB website, which has streamlined the online presence of the former institutions merged under the NIB and now provides investors with a single digital platform for investment information and services.

Dr. Sandy also appreciated the UNDP's valuable contribution towards the aftercare services, noting that the partnership enabled the successful rollout of nationwide Public-Private Dialogues (PPDs), which generated critical stakeholder input to strengthen Sierra Leone's business and investment climate. In his conclusion, he requested UNDP's continued support in the areas of strengthening SME export competitiveness, developing an investment project pipeline, supporting the implementation of the National Investment Strategy, and strengthening institutional capacity

In his remarks, the UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, Kevin Petrini, expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved through the partnership with NIB and reaffirmed UNDP's commitment to supporting Sierra Leone's economic transformation. He highlighted UNDP's support in the transportation sector, including ferry services to improve water transportation and interventions in the public bus and taxi sectors. He further stated that going forward, UNDP support will be a co-creation approach to future partnerships, where both institutions jointly develop and implement priority initiatives aligned with the Board's strategic plans and budget.

The Director of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Directorate at NIB, Mohamed Abu Sesay, also contributed to the discussions, highlighting opportunities for collaboration and investment facilitation through strategic partnerships and support.

The meeting concluded with a guided tour of the National Investment Board's facilities, during which the delegation was shown the various interventions and institutional support provided by UNDP. The visit reaffirmed the shared commitment of both institutions to strengthening cooperation in promoting investment, improving the business environment, and advancing sustainable economic development in Sierra Leone.

*©️ NIB COMS*

02/08/2026

*NIB Reaffirms Commitment to Deepening Sierra Leone–Nigeria Trade and Investment Cooperation at Trade Fair 2026*

*31st July 2026*; The National Investment Board (NIB) has reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to strengthening bilateral trade and investment relations with the Federal Republic of Nigeria during the official opening ceremony of the Nigeria–Sierra Leone Trade Fair 2026, held at the Miatta Conference Centre, Youyi Building, Freetown.

The maiden Trade Fair, running from 27th July to 9th August 2026, has brought together exhibitors, investors, policymakers, development partners, and private sector leaders from both Sierra Leone and Nigeria to showcase products and services, facilitate business-to-business engagements, promote investment opportunities, deepen economic cooperation, and expand regional market access.

Delivering a statement on behalf of the Executive Director of NIB, the Director of Investment and Export Promotion, Sheku Lexmond Koroma, described the Trade Fair as a significant milestone in advancing economic cooperation between Sierra Leone and Nigeria. He highlighted the Board’s mandate as the country’s premier institution for investment promotion, investment facilitation, export promotion, and private sector development, emphasizing that the event aligns with Government’s vision of building a resilient, diversified, and private sector-led economy.

He noted that the Trade Fair provides a strategic platform for businesses to connect with investors, explore new markets, and establish long-term commercial partnerships. He encouraged investors and exhibitors to take full advantage of the opportunities presented by the event and visit the NIB exhibition booth to learn more about Sierra Leone’s investment incentives, priority sectors, and the services available through the Board’s One-Stop Investment Centre. He further underscored the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in promoting intra-African trade, strengthening regional value chains, and unlocking new investment opportunities across the continent.

The ceremony also featured remarks from the Minister of Trade and Industry, Alpha Ibrahim Sesay, who reaffirmed Government’s commitment to creating a competitive business environment that promotes trade, industrialization, and private sector growth. The Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture Sierra Leone, Agbai Abosi, highlighted the significance of the Trade Fair in strengthening commercial relations between the two countries and creating new opportunities for businesses to access regional markets.

Also addressing the gathering, the High Commissioner of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to Sierra Leone, H.E. Ayu Luther-Ogbemode, commended the longstanding diplomatic and economic ties between Sierra Leone and Nigeria, noting that enhanced trade and investment cooperation would deliver mutual economic benefits while advancing regional integration. Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Remigius Okafor, expressed confidence that the maiden Trade Fair would serve as a catalyst for increased trade, investment, and business collaboration between both countries.

Representing the Sierra Leone Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, the Executive Secretary, Samuel Joe Yilla, reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to working closely with its Nigerian counterparts to strengthen private sector collaboration and expand trade opportunities for businesses in both countries.

The official opening of the Trade Fair was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony jointly performed by the Minister of Trade and Industry and the Nigerian High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, symbolising the commencement of the exhibition. This was followed by an inspection tour of the exhibition booths, during which the dignitaries interacted with exhibitors, explored products and services on display, and encouraged greater business networking, investment collaboration, and commercial partnerships.

The Nigeria–Sierra Leone Trade Fair 2026 is expected to generate new opportunities for trade, investment, technology transfer, and business-to-business partnerships, further strengthening the economic relationship between Sierra Leone and Nigeria while advancing regional integration and sustainable private sector growth.

*© NIB COMS*

24/07/2026

*NIB & The Chinese Embassy Facilitate Dialogue Between MDAs & The Chinese Chamber of Commerce Sierra Leone*

FREETOWN, 3 Jomo Kenyatta Road, July 21, 2026: The National Investment Board (NIB), working with the Embassy of the Republic of China in Sierra Leone held a roundtable discussion with the Chinese Chamber of Commerce (CCC) in Sierra Leone and Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), to discuss challenges faced by Chinese investors and improve the country's business environment.

Delivering his keynote address, the Executive Director of the NIB, Dr. Edward Hinga Sandy, thanked the participants and appreciated the Embassy of the People's Republic of China for its continued support in fostering economic cooperation and investment between the two countries.

He explained that the roundtable was intended to provide a platform for an open and a solution-oriented dialogue aimed at addressing challenges affecting Chinese businesses and consolidating Sierra Leone’s investment climate, noting that, NIB would continue serving as a bridge between investors and Government institutions through investment facilitation, aftercare services, coordination and policy advocacy.

He further stated Government’s commitment to a transparent, predictable and investor-friendly business climate, saying that, sustainable investment depends on policy consistency, regulatory transparency and continuous engagement between Government and the private sector.

MR. Liv Siyo, Secretary of the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone, called the engagement an important step toward deeper mutual understanding between Government and Chinese enterprises. He encouraged Chinese companies to comply with the local laws, while expressing hope that Government would continue to protect investors' legitimate rights and interests.

The Acting President of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Sierra Leone, Mr. Wang Bin, thanked the Government for opening a direct channel with the private sector and noted that Chinese businesses have invested across different investment sectors and have created jobs and contributed to national development.

He outlined a list of challenges facing Chinese businesses, including insufficient consultation before new investment policies are introduced, inconsistent policy implementation, delays in payments to contractor, and lengthy and costly procedures for work and residence permits. The Chamber also raised concerns about protection of lawful investment rights. and the need for a stronger incentive in strategic sectors.

Government institutions responded to the concerns and outlined reforms already under way. NIB said it is developing an integrated One-Stop Investment Centre that will consolidate business registration, permitting and licensing services, along with an online platform to simplify investor services.

Officials also encouraged investors to meet their own obligations under Sierra Leonean law, including filing annual company returns, complying with labour regulations and meeting local content requirements.

NIB committed to coordinating follow-up engagements with relevant MDAs on a number of action points arising from the dialogue, including strengthening institutional collaboration. Accordingly, Mr. Bin pledged to encourage greater compliance among its members while continuing constructive engagement with the Government.

Both sides described the dialogue as the start of a more structured partnership and agreed that regular engagement between Government and investors would continue as a mechanism for resolving business challenges and attracting further foreign direct investment.

*©️NIB COMS*

23/07/2026

*NIB Hosts Stakeholder Coordination Meeting Ahead of Maiden Nigeria–Sierra Leone Trade Fair 2026*

*22/07/2026:* The National Investment Board (NIB) hosted a stakeholder coordination meeting at its headquarters in Freetown to prepare for the Maiden Nigeria–Sierra Leone Trade Fair, scheduled to take place from 27th July to 9th August 2026 at Miatta Conference Center, Freetown. Organised by the Nigeria Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture Sierra Leone. The trade fair is expected to provide a strategic platform for strengthening bilateral trade relations, promoting investment, and showcasing the diverse products and services of both countries.

Delivering the opening remarks, the Director of Investment and Export Promotion Directorate at NIB, Mr. Sheku Lexmond Koroma, welcomed stakeholders and reaffirmed the Board's commitment to promoting investment and export development. He highlighted NIB's role in facilitating investments and improving the business environment, noting that the Board will actively participate in the trade fair with a dedicated exhibition booth to showcase Sierra Leone's investment opportunities and provide business facilitation services to prospective investors.

Speaking on behalf of the organisers, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture Sierra Leone, Mr. Agbai Abosi, emphasized that the maiden trade fair represents a significant opportunity to strengthen economic cooperation between Nigeria and Sierra Leone by connecting businesses, fostering partnerships, and encouraging cross-border trade and investment.

Also addressing the meeting, the Chairman of the Council, Mr. Abel Onomake, described the trade fair as a milestone initiative for both countries. He explained that the event was deliberately scheduled to run for two weeks to maximize participation and impact, adding that structured business networking and business-to-business (B2B) matchmaking sessions will be organised to facilitate lasting commercial partnerships between Nigerian and Sierra Leonean enterprises.

The Chairman of the Trade Fair Planning Committee, Mr. Remigius Okafor, expressed confidence in the Chamber's preparedness for the event, revealing that several Nigerian companies have already confirmed their participation. And that the trade fair materials are already on the way, while some are already in the country. Also, Alhaji Alpha Tamu Jalloh, Council Member of the Sierra Leone Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, reaffirmed the Chamber's commitment to working closely with the organisers and all stakeholders to ensure the successful delivery of the inaugural trade fair.

The meeting concluded with stakeholders reaffirming their collective commitment to delivering a successful event that will deepen bilateral trade, create new investment opportunities, strengthen business linkages, and further promote economic cooperation between Sierra Leone and Nigeria.

*©️ NIB COMS*

09/07/2026

*NIB Executive Director Re-Elected President of ECOWAS -TPO Network*

The Executive Director of the National Investment Board (NIB), Dr. Edward Hinga Sandy, has been overwhelmingly re-elected as President of the ECOWAS Trade Promotion Organisation (TPO) Network for the 2026–2027 term during the 6th Annual General Assembly of the Network, held in Dakar, Senegal, from 6th–9th July 2026.

Dr. Sandy’s re-election reflects the confidence and trust reposed in his leadership by member Trade Promotion Organizations across the ECOWAS region. It is a recognition of the remarkable progress achieved during his first term, particularly in advancing regional cooperation, strengthening trade and investment promotion, fostering institutional collaboration, and championing initiatives aimed at enhancing intra-ECOWAS trade and private sector development.

Under his leadership, the ECOWAS TPO Network has continued to strengthen partnerships among member states, promote investment opportunities, and support regional economic integration through coordinated trade promotion strategies. His renewed mandate demonstrates the Network’s commitment to building on these achievements and accelerating efforts to create a more competitive and integrated regional market.

The National Investment Board congratulates Dr. Edward Hinga Sandy on this well-deserved achievement, which does not only reflect his exemplary leadership but also elevates Sierra Leone’s standing within the regional trade and investment landscape. NIB remains committed to working with regional and international partners to advance investment, trade, and sustainable economic development for Sierra Leone and the ECOWAS region.

*©️ NIB COMS*

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Monday	08:00 - 16:45
Tuesday	08:00 - 16:45
Wednesday	08:00 - 16:45
Thursday	08:00 - 16:45
Friday	08:00 - 15:00