About the Directorate
Formerly known as the Sierra Leone Investment and Export Promotion Agency (SLIEPA), the Investment and Export Promotion Directorate now serves as a strategic arm of the National Investment Board (NIB). This transformation reflects a renewed national commitment to positioning Sierra Leone as a resilient, export-driven, and investor-ready economy. The Directorate champions private sector competitiveness by fostering a favorable investment climate and broadening market access for domestic producers and exporters.
In alignment with the NIB Act, the Directorate coordinates with local and international stakeholders to streamline investment procedures, promote priority sectors, and expand Sierra Leone’s presence in regional and international trade. The Directorate acts as a one-stop hub for investment intelligence, export support, and business development services—bridging policy with private enterprise in a sustainable and inclusive manner.
Through data-driven strategies, strategic partnerships, and evidence-based policy advocacy, the Directorate is dedicated to unleashing Sierra Leone’s potential in agribusiness, tourism, energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing—paving the way for prosperity through trade.
Our Core Functions
Export Facilitation
Enable small producers and manufacturers to access foreign markets through tailored export readiness programs and trade facilitation.
Strategic Export Development
Craft national export strategies and conduct awareness campaigns highlighting export-led growth as a pathway to economic resilience.
Market Advisory Services
Guide exporters in market research, product development, and branding strategies to scale across ECOWAS and global markets.
Policy Advocacy
Advocate for exporter-friendly policies and regulations through continuous engagement with government bodies and trade institutions.
Investor Targeting
Identify, engage, and support both domestic and foreign investors in priority sectors including agriculture, mining, and tourism.
Investment Intelligence
Provide up-to-date, actionable information on investment incentives, opportunities, and trends across key industries.
Public–Private Dialogue
Strengthen collaboration between government and business actors to unlock investment bottlenecks and boost confidence.
International Linkages
Connect exporters and investors to technical assistance, grants, and programs from regional and global development partners.
Export and FDI Research
Produce data-rich reports and investment briefs to guide policymaking, investor decisions, and sectoral planning.
Association Support
Support the development and sustainability of sector-based associations and cooperatives for collective growth.
Knowledge Dissemination
Publish guides, bulletins, and investment insights to keep stakeholders informed and inspired.
Executive Support
Perform any related duties or strategic initiatives as assigned by the Executive Director of the National Investment Board.