President Bio Launches NIB’s New Online Business Registration System
Aminata Koroma President Julius Maada Bio has officially launched the Online Business Registration System (OBRS), a digital platform designed to simplify business registration and eliminate bureaucratic hurdles in Sierra Leone.
The launch took place on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at the Miatta Civic Centre in Freetown, marking a significant step towards improving the country’s business environment and making registration services more accessible to entrepreneurs.
The system is expected to create new opportunities for citizens regardless of their location, attract investment and support the growth of small businesses into successful enterprises.
Speaking at the launch, President Bio highlighted the challenges faced by aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly those in remote communities, who must navigate lengthy procedures, spend time and resources, and sometimes rely on personal connections to register their businesses.
He cited the example of a young woman in Kambia who wishes to establish a business, noting that starting a business should not be a test of endurance or require personal connections but should be a straightforward process accessible to every Sierra Leonean with the determination to succeed.
The President said the launch of the OBRS represents his Government’s practical commitment to ensuring that public institutions work for the people by creating opportunities rather than placing obstacles in the way of enterprise.
He noted that since 2018, his Government has pursued reforms aimed at strengthening institutions and improving systems, adding that the introduction of the online registration platform is another achievement in that direction.
However, President Bio emphasised that the success of the system would not be determined by its launch alone but by the actual improvements entrepreneurs experience when using the service.
He said he expected the platform to bring positive changes, stressing that institutions, particularly the National Revenue Authority (NRA), must be accountable for delivering the promised improvements.
He therefore directed the National Investment Board (NIB) to ensure that registration requirements remain transparent, services are accessible and complaints are addressed promptly.
The President further disclosed that he expects a performance report within 90 days, outlining measures taken, improvements in service delivery and the next steps towards expanding access to the system.
As part of the launch ceremony, President Bio presented a business registration certificate to the first person to use the Online Business Registration System. He also pledged his support to help promote the beneficiary’s business, highlighting his Government’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurs and encouraging business growth through the new digital platform.
Earlier, the Executive Director of the National Investment Board, Dr Edward Hinga Sandy, described the launch as an important step towards making business registration quicker, easier and more accessible to everyone.
He said the OBRS was introduced to simplify registration procedures, remove bottlenecks, support informal businesses and strengthen revenue generation.
Dr Sandy explained that entrepreneurs from districts such as Kono and Kambia previously had to spend money on transportation to travel to Freetown to register their businesses. However, with the new system, applicants can now complete the process online without making unnecessary trips to the capital.
He added that business registration files and records have now been digitised, allowing information to be retrieved within seconds, in line with President Bio’s vision for a more efficient public service.
According to him, the system will allow businesses to be registered online through www.obrslnib.all, with a service standard of eight working hours for complete applications.
He encouraged entrepreneurs to take advantage of the platform, saying applicants can submit their applications online, return the following day for updates where necessary, visit NIB offices less frequently and track their applications instead of having to make enquiries about their status.
Dr Sandy further noted that the digitised records would be more reliable and help improve transparency for individuals and businesses seeking information about the people and entities they intend to engage with.
Acknowledging that not everyone is comfortable using digital services, he assured the public that assistance would remain available. He said temporary assisted OBRS services would be provided at NIB offices, with a help desk to be established to guide applicants through the registration process.