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The Executive Director of the National Investment Board (NIB), Dr. Edward Hinga Sandy, has called for stronger investment support for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), describing them as key drivers of economic growth, job creation, and private sector development in Sierra Leone.
Dr. Sandy made the call while delivering opening remarks at the Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project Investor Roundtable held at the Bintumani Hotel in Freetown under the theme: “Converting Investor Interest into Closed Transactions.”
The roundtable, organised under the Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project with support from the World Bank and the Ministry of Finance, brought together investors, development partners, government institutions, business leaders, and 21 investment-ready Sierra Leonean SMEs seeking capital and strategic partnerships. The initiative is being implemented by IBF Expertise SA in partnership with The Betts Firm Consult.
Dr. Sandy said Sierra Leone is steadily positioning itself as an emerging investment destination in West Africa through ongoing reforms aimed at improving the business environment and strengthening investor confidence.
He highlighted key initiatives by the NIB, including the One Stop Shop Business Solutions Centre, the proposed Companies and Business Registration Bill, and the forthcoming Online Business Registration System.
He noted that participating SMEs represent sectors including tourism, hospitality, agribusiness, technology, innovation, and the creative economy. He urged investors to move beyond expressions of interest and commit to concrete transactions that would enable local businesses to expand and create jobs.
As part of the programme, Dr. Sandy also took part in a high-level panel discussion on the SME Ecosystem and Policy Opportunities Forum alongside representatives from the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Sierra Leone Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, and The Betts Firm Consult.
Discussions focused on strengthening private sector coordination, expanding trade and investment opportunities, and improving the enabling environment for sustainable business growth.
The roundtable ended with renewed commitments from stakeholders to support SMEs as key drivers of economic transformation, innovation, and inclusive growth in Sierra Leone.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/1J6XNWEnyo/
