AYV News, April 11, 2025
Sierra Leone has been featured in Forbes Africa as a rising star in West Africa’s investment landscape. The recognition highlights the country’s progress, policy, direction and future.
From policy reforms to private sector growth, Sierra Leone is earning a seat at the table of West Africa’s investment giants.
With its strategic location, abundant natural resources, and proactive economic reforms, Sierra Leone is emerging as one of the region’s most promising investment destinations.
From mining and agriculture to technology, renewable energy, and tourism, Sierra Leone’s diversified economy offers significant opportunities for foreign direct investment (FDI).
The country’s mineral wealth—including diamonds, gold, bauxite, and iron ore—has long anchored its economy, attracting sustained global interest. However, the country’s investment appeal extends well beyond mining. With over 5.4 million hectares of arable land and a favorable climate, Sierra Leone is well-positioned to become a regional leader in agribusiness. Opportunities span from large-scale farming to value-added agro-processing for export crops such as rice, cocoa, and palm oil.
“Sierra Leone’s location within West Africa, combined with its natural deep-water ports and growing industrial infrastructure, makes it an ideal hub for trade and logistics,” explains Gilbert Zhao, CEO of Leone Rock Metal Group.
Sierra Leone’s commitment to sustainable development is a cornerstone of its economic strategy. From expanding renewable energy infrastructure to fostering green investment, the country is aligning its development agenda with global sustainability goals.
At the same time, technological advancement is playing an increasingly important role. Rising smartphone penetration and improved digital connectivity are unlocking opportunities in the technology and innovation sector.
“Sierra Leone’s tech ecosystem continues to expand as connectivity improves, creating opportunities for digital solutions across industries,” notes Sekou Amadou Bah, CEO of Orange.
Sierra Leone’s natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and unspoiled coastlines position the country as a rising tourism destination. Government efforts to develop eco-tourism and heritage tourism are part of a broader diversification strategy aimed at showcasing the country’s assets while driving job creation and foreign exchange earnings.
Since the launch of the National Investment Board (NIB) in 2022, Sierra Leone has actively worked to enhance its attractiveness to international investors. The government offers investment incentives such as tax exemptions, duty-free imports, and profit repatriation, creating a welcoming and transparent investment environment.
At the same time, financial sector reforms are designed to support larger, longer-term investments. The central bank’s plan to increase bank recapitalization requirements by 318% will enhance financial stability and expand lending capacity, enabling greater funding for infrastructure projects and private sector expansion.
Sierra Leone’s diaspora community also plays a crucial role in the country’s economy, contributing approximately $400 million annually. These inflows strengthen foreign exchange reserves, support local businesses, and help stimulate economic activity, adding to the country’s resilience and attractiveness for investors.
“Diaspora investments not only contribute capital, but also bring global expertise, networks, and entrepreneurial energy into the local economy,” says Davar Fazaeli, Group Founder and CEO of Rasab Group.
With its natural advantages, pro-business reforms, and visionary development agenda, Sierra Leone strategically positions itself as a leading investment destination in West Africa.
