By Emma Black

The National Investment Board (NIB) has received a high-level courtesy visit from the United Nations Development Programme in Sierra Leone (UNDP-SL), reaffirming the agency’s commitment to advancing Sierra Leone’s investment climate and supporting institutional reforms.

The UNDP delegation, led by Ms. Mabulara Tsuene, Senior Economic Adviser, and Mr. AbuBakarr Turay, National Economics Specialist, engaged with NIB’s leadership on strengthening ongoing collaboration and identifying strategic priorities for 2026.

Welcoming the delegation, Dr. Edward Hinga Sandy, Executive Director of NIB, commended UNDP for its unwavering partnership. He noted that UNDP’s technical and financial support has been instrumental in advancing reforms, particularly in driving Public-Private Dialogue (PPD) and accelerating the operationalisation of the One-Stop Shop Centre for Investment—a flagship initiative designed to streamline processes and improve the ease of doing business in Sierra Leone.

“UNDP has been a vital partner in our journey to create an enabling investment climate. Their support has helped us build stronger institutions, foster dialogue between the public and private sectors, and position Sierra Leone as a competitive destination for investment,” Dr. Sandy said.

In response, Ms. Tsuene underscored UNDP’s readiness to deepen engagement with NIB, particularly in areas that align with Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (2024–2030). She stressed that UNDP is committed to providing targeted technical assistance and programmatic support to ensure that NIB is fully equipped to deliver on its mandate.

Mr. Turay echoed this sentiment, noting that investment facilitation is critical to Sierra Leone’s economic growth and sustainable development. He highlighted UNDP’s focus on supporting initiatives that not only attract investors but also generate tangible benefits for Sierra Leoneans through job creation and inclusive growth.

The meeting concluded with both institutions pledging to consolidate their collaboration in advancing reforms, boosting investor confidence, and ensuring that future strategies translate into measurable outcomes for the country’s economy and people.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 6th October 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)