The Manager of Investment Climate Team in Africa, David Bridgman has on his recent visit to Sierra Leone, highlighted plans to work in partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone to enhance the economic growth of the Country by transforming the non-formal business sector. He said they are operating in some 35 Countries in sub-Saharan Africa, to help national governments in implementing policies to enhance economic growth, development, fairness and equity among people. He stated that they would be looking at possibilities of identifying Banks in Sierra Leone that would provide access to the business people who might be interested in loans to up grade their business venture. He spoke of plans to work with government to remove some of the bureaucracies in doing business in Sierra Leone.
On the question of best practices he said there is need for development and constructive dialogue between the people and government to identify priority areas in Sierra Leone so as to seek common solution to the problems. The reason being that, the people know their problems better and could be in the position to seek solutions to them.
“We are going to develop the Country priority profile in the various areas of small business, agriculture, marine and tourism for possible investment” he said.
In a brief chat with the Administrator-General of Sierra Leone, Madam Kallay noted that there is a gradual improvement in registering business. She attributed her success to cooperation from line Ministries and members of the Donor Communities, whom she has consulted on every step in replacing obsolete bureaucracies in doing business in Sierra Leone.
A staff of Njala University College, Emmanuel Sanja said much is not known about doing business in certain areas in the Provinces where land tenure system is on the increase.
He added that the non-formal business sector in the Provinces operate at the mercy of the Local Councils and the Traditional Chiefs who collect dues from them.
By Solomon Rogers
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