Sierra Leone Introduces Online Business Registration
President Julius Maada Bio has launched Sierra Leone’s Online Business Registration System (OBRS), announcing that complete applications that meet legal requirements will be processed within 24 hours as part of efforts to simplify business registration and improve access to government services.
The system was officially launched on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at the Miatta Civic Centre in Freetown during an event organised by the National Investment Board (NIB).
Speaking at the launch, President Bio said the platform would reduce the administrative difficulties, costs and geographical barriers that often discourage people from starting businesses. He stressed that entrepreneurs should be able to register their businesses without unnecessary procedures. He also disclosed that registration certificates would be delivered within seven days, while a demonstration at the event showed that an online application could be completed in approximately eight minutes.
The President said the initiative was designed to make business registration more efficient and accessible, particularly for young people, women entrepreneurs, farmers, cooperatives and innovators. He linked the reform to his Government’s broader development priorities, including efforts to expand youth employment and create opportunities for local businesses to grow, attract investment and access wider markets.
On transparency, President Bio warned against unofficial charges, insisting that entrepreneurs should not be required to pay unauthorised fees to access services they are legally entitled to receive. He also stressed the importance of ensuring that rural communities and people with limited digital skills are not excluded as government services move online.
He commended the National Investment Board and its partners, particularly members of the National Youth Service, who contributed to the digitisation of more than 120,000 business records as part of the initiative.
To monitor the platform’s performance, President Bio directed the National Investment Board to submit a report within 90 days, outlining improvements in service delivery and measures to expand access. He further urged the Board to maintain accessible services, eliminate unnecessary documentation requirements and respond promptly to complaints.
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