Sierra Leone’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay, presented the country’s legal and regulatory reform efforts at the World Bank Group’s Law, Justice and Development Forum in Washington, D.C., from 2–3 November 2026.
The two-day forum gathered Attorneys-General and Ministers of Justice from around the globe to discuss how effective legal frameworks can encourage private investment, bolster business growth, and support sustainable economic development.
During the discussions, participants shared strategies for modernising financial sector legislation, enhancing contract enforcement, and simplifying business regulations. They also examined environmental and social safeguards, economic resilience, and the role of new technologies, including artificial intelligence, in accelerating legal reforms.
A key moment was Sierra Leone’s spotlight on its legal reform agenda, with Attorney-General Sesay highlighting the proposed Companies and Allied Matters Bill as a cornerstone of the country’s efforts to update its business and investment framework.
This proposed legislation aims to unify existing company registration laws into a single, modern legal structure. It addresses current system weaknesses and aims to introduce an online platform for business registration, streamlining processes to enhance efficiency and help entrepreneurs formalise their enterprises.
If passed, the Bill will repeal and replace the Companies Act of 2009, as amended in 2014, the Registration of Business Act of 2007, and the General Law (Business Start-Up) (Amendment) Act of 2007.
The reforms are expected to improve Sierra Leone’s business environment by reducing registration hurdles and providing a more coherent legal framework for entrepreneurs and investors.
Sierra Leone’s involvement in the forum also offered a chance to share experiences, learn from international best practices, and strengthen collaborations with development partners on legal reforms.
This initiative aligns with broader national efforts to fortify public institutions, enhance the investment climate, and foster private sector growth.
The agenda highlights the link between an effective justice system and economic development. A clear and efficient legal framework is vital for safeguarding rights, enforcing contracts, fostering investor confidence, promoting entrepreneurship, and facilitating job creation.
For Sierra Leone, the proposed Companies and Allied Matters Bill represents a significant move towards establishing a modern business registration system and creating a more predictable legal environment for local and international entrepreneurs.
