Freetown, 20th July 2026– Sierra Leone’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have been handed a new set of resources designed to help them attract investment and strengthen their role in the country’s private sector growth.
Invest Salone, with support from the UK Government, has partnered with British International Investment (BII) through the Africa Resilience Investment Accelerator (ARIA) to launch three practical tools: the Sierra Leone Investment Toolkit, an Investment Readiness Scorecard, and a Business Advisor Directory.
At the heart of the initiative is the Investment Readiness Scorecard, a simple, anonymous online self-assessment that allows businesses to gauge their stage of investment readiness. Based on responses, firms are guided on areas to improve, from governance and financial management to operational capacity and responsible business practices. Importantly, the tool does not store or collect user data, ensuring confidentiality.
Complementing this is the Investment Toolkit, which offers step-by-step guidance on what investors look for, including strategy, compliance, and environmental and social management. Meanwhile, the Business Advisor Directory connects SMEs with professional service providers in Sierra Leone, helping them access expertise as they prepare for growth.
“These resources help businesses assess their current position, identify gaps, and access practical guidance to strengthen their investment proposition,” said Pooja Melwani of Invest Salone. “As our programme comes to a close this year, we are pleased to leave behind a lasting resource that will continue supporting Sierra Leonean businesses on their journey to attracting investment.”
Echoing this, Alex Kucharski, Director of Market Creation at BII Plus, noted: “These three resources help businesses better understand whether they are ready for investment, identify which investors might be right for them, and showcase the local advisory ecosystem that can support them as they look to grow.”
The tools were shaped by feedback from Sierra Leonean SMEs during workshops, ensuring they reflect real-world challenges. They also draw on lessons from similar initiatives across Africa, but are tailored to Sierra Leone’s unique business environment.
The launch underscores the UK government’s commitment to strengthening Sierra Leone’s private sector and fostering sustainable investment. By equipping SMEs with the knowledge and networks they need, the initiative aims to unlock growth opportunities and build resilience in the country’s economy.
