The National Investment Board (NIB) has officially taken delivery of the One Stop Shop Centre (OSSC) Business Solution Center, marking a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s ongoing efforts to improve the ease of doing business and strengthen its investment climate.

The handing-over ceremony, held at the NIB Office on Jomo Kenyatta Road, brought together senior government officials, development partners, private sector representatives, and the media. The facility, delivered with support from the Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project (SLEDP), funded by the World Bank, represents a major step toward streamlining business services and enhancing the investor experience in the country.

In his address, the Executive Director of NIB, Dr. Edward Hinga Sandy, described the OSSC as a transformative reform aimed at simplifying and centralizing key business services. He noted that the Centre will bring together business registration, licensing, tax, and regulatory support, and investor facilitation services under one roof, significantly reducing delays, costs, and bureaucratic hurdles faced by businesses. He emphasized that the initiative aligns with the government’s broader agenda to promote private sector development, attract foreign direct investment, and support the growth and formalization of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).

Dr. Sandy further highlighted that the establishment of NIB through the consolidation of key institutions was aimed at improving coordination, eliminating duplication, and delivering more efficient services to investors. He called on Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), local councils, and the private sector to work collaboratively to ensure the effective operation of the Centre, stressing that its success depends on strong institutional coordination and continuous feedback from users.

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Speaking at the ceremony, Matthew Dingie, Financial Secretary, Ministry of Finance, emphasized the government’s long-standing ambition to establish a One Stop Shop Center as a critical first step in the business process. He noted that the initiative is designed to support business growth and formalization, while reducing reliance on intermediaries by enabling investors to independently register and manage their businesses.

He further revealed that the concept was inspired by a 2018 benchmarking visit to Georgia, known for its efficient single-access business service system. Drawing from that experience, the government is now working toward establishing a “customer single window” to further streamline trade processes, particularly for importers, while also stressing the need to popularize the OSSC among investors.

Remi Galal, Economist, World Bank, underscored the economic significance of the OSSC, noting that such reforms play a vital role in driving private sector growth. He emphasized that efficient and coordinated service delivery enhances business confidence, supports firms in expanding their revenues, and creates opportunities for increased employment. He added that reforms of this nature help make processes faster, simpler, and more transparent, while strengthening coordination among public institutions.

In her remarks, Fatima Mahawa Sandi, Deputy Executive Director, NIB, described the Center as a significant milestone for private sector development, particularly for SMEs. She expressed gratitude to all partners and contractors who contributed to the successful establishment of the facility and called on MDAs to remain committed to its effective implementation. She further highlighted the Center’s inclusive design, noting the provision of a dedicated children’s play area to support mothers and caregivers, reflecting NIB’s commitment to accessible, user-friendly, and investor-centered service delivery.

Joe P. Gbonda, Director of Policy at NIB, stated that the OSSC is designed to resolve key business processes within 24 hours through digital integration. called on investors to take full advantage of the facility as a gateway to doing business in Sierra Leone.

The ceremony concluded with the formal handing over of the facility to NIB, followed by a guided tour of the Center. Guests were taken through the various sections of the facility, with detailed explanations provided on its functions, services, and overall operational framework. The One Stop Shop Center is expected to significantly enhance service delivery by reducing turnaround times, improving coordination among institutions, and creating a more investor-friendly ecosystem.

The successful handover signals a renewed and collective commitment by the Government and its partners to drive economic growth, support entrepreneurship, and position Sierra Leone as a competitive destination for investment.