Sierra Leone presents country’s potential to international investors

The Government of Sierra Leone marked eight years of widely under-appreciated political and economic progress at an event in London on 18 November that showcased the country’s many opportunities for investment.

Attended by HRH the Prince of Wales, Tony Blair, representatives of the UK and US Governments, including the UK International Development Minister, Gareth Thomas, plus hundreds of potential international investors, the event presented the positive experiences of current investors and illustrated the many opportunities in agribusiness, fisheries, mineral resources, tourism, oil and gas, renewable energy and infrastructure.

President Koroma, highlighting his Government’s efforts to create the right foundations for economic growth in the country, said:  “The IMF has predicted that we will grow at twice the African average by the end of this year.  But this is only the beginning; our country has a wealth of untapped potential.  

“We are building a legislative framework that provides the right incentives for investors while ensuring that all feel the benefits of economic growth.   Sierra Leone is a country of genuine opportunity for investors and for its people.”   

President Koroma reassured those whose perceptions of Sierra Leone are still coloured by images of its civil war: “We are a peaceful, friendly and hospitable country.  My fellow citizens have been recognised as among the most religiously integrated in the world and anyone who visits Sierra Leone will experience a vibrant and forward-looking nation.  

“We are becoming a stable, politically mature nation.  We have had two internationally recognised democratic elections, including a peaceful transition of power.  According to the World Bank, political stability and our citizens’ ability to hold government to account has improved faster in Sierra Leone than in almost any other country in the world.”

President Koroma concluded that: “I know that the only sustainable way to achieve long term growth is through strong, equal partnerships with the private sector.  As a former businessman myself, I can promise international investors that if you are willing to commit to investing in Sierra Leone you will find it is stable, rewarding, and exciting.”