By: Tommy Sidikie, Reporter
In a strategic effort to attract international investment to its energy and water sectors, Sierra Leone’s National Investment Board (NIB), in collaboration with the Africa Resilience Investment Accelerator (ARIA) and the UK International Development, hosted an investment roundtable at the New Brookfields Hotel. The high-profile event brought together government leaders, international investors, and development finance institutions (DFIs) to showcase a promising investment landscape for Sierra Leone.
Dr. Edward Hinga Sandi, Executive Director of NIB, highlighted the nation’s commitment to fostering a favorable investment environment, emphasizing key sectors such as agriculture, energy, water, and infrastructure. He underscored agriculture as a vital area for export growth and national self-sufficiency, noting Sierra Leone’s abundant natural resources, including diamonds and iron ore. Dr. Sandi also pointed to advantageous trade agreements with ECOWAS, the African Continental Free Trade Area, and the EU, which create market opportunities for investors. The roundtable focused on the investment needs within the energy and water sectors, with discussions on renewable energy initiatives and collaborations like the West African Power Pool aimed at enhancing infrastructure.
Alex Kurcharski from ARIA reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to Sierra Leone, citing recent investments by ARIA partners, British International Investment and Proparco, in local businesses. Minister of Planning and Economic Development Kenyeh Barlay spoke about Sierra Leone’s ambition to achieve middle-income status by 2039 and introduced the “Big Five Game Changers” initiative, which focuses on job creation, infrastructure, and economic growth. Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Dr. Sao-Kpato Hannah Isatta Max-Kyne, presented her Ministry’s roadmap for the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sector, emphasizing the importance of private sector investment. The event fostered dialogue around policies and regulatory frameworks essential for sustainable infrastructure development, with participants expressing strong support for initiatives aligned with Sierra Leone’s strategic vision for robust economic growth.
