The Sierra Leone Investment and Export Promotion Agency (SLIEPA) and the National Investment Board (NIB) have landed Nigerian investors for a scoping mission in Sierra Leone.
The investors represented eight companies, with interests covering agribusiness, manufacturing, Small and Medium-size Enterprises (SME) Development, Financing, value addition etc. The three-day mission, spanning from the 5th to the 8th of May, 2024, was actualised through the support of the African Development Bank (ARDB) with a consulting service from WAVTEQ.
During a meeting held at the Atlantic Lumley Hotel in Aberdeen, Freetown, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr. Ibrahim Alpha Sesay, addressed the visiting delegation, saying that the readiness of the government to promote trade and attract investors was a manifesto commitment by His Excellency Rtd Brigadier Julius Maada Bio to enhance a prosperous livelihood and future for his people.
He underscored the country’s growing investment opportunities in different sectors, naming ‘Feed Sierra Leone’ as the major project in the agricultural sector. He encouraged the investors to explore and invest in the green and blue economy.
When giving his keynote speech, the Executive Director of the National Investment Board (NIB), DR. Edward Hinga Sandy, said that the advent of the NIB is a manifestation of the number of reforms the government has attained to create an enabling environment to coordinate, facilitate and enhance the investment climate of the country.
He continued by saying that NIB has eased the cost and time of business registration, as it is a one-stop shop, where investors can obtain all their business licenses, certificates or permits before leaving the building.
In his welcome address, the CEO of SLIEPA, MR. Sheku Lexmond Koroma highlighted the significance of the visit as an opportunity to showcase the country’s potential and facilitate meaningful connections between investors and local businesses. He expressed optimism that the program would allow the parties to partner, collaborate and explore new possibilities towards shared success.
Mr. Koroma guaranteed the investors the opportunities that Sierra Leone offers across the various sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure, and technology, emphasizing SLIEPA’s commitment to facilitating a seamless investment journey.
Joy Priya, the WAVTEQ Consultant working with SLIEPA, affirmed their successful working relationship with SLIEPA over the last three years, working on three components including investment promotion, developing tools such as the SLIEPA website, and training for the SLIEPA staff. She ended up joining the previous speakers to welcome the visitors.
Kalu Abosi, representing stakeholders in manufacturing and ICT, expressed their eagerness to explore the diverse business opportunities available in Sierra Leone. He highlighted the potential in agriculture, manufacturing, and information technology, affirming their intention to leverage Sierra Leone’s green and ripe landscape for investment.
