President Bio Launches Online Business Registration System in Sierra Leone

President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone has officially launched the Online Business Registration System (OBRS), a digital platform aimed at simplifying business registration and making registration services more accessible to entrepreneurs. The launch took place on November 10, 2026, at the Miatta Civic Centre in Freetown. This development is expected to create new opportunities for citizens, attract investment, and support the growth of small businesses.

The OBRS was introduced to address the challenges faced by aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly those in remote communities, who previously had to navigate lengthy procedures and spend time and resources to register their businesses. President Bio cited the example of a young woman in Kambia who wishes to establish a business, emphasizing that starting a business should be a straightforward process accessible to every Sierra Leonean with the determination to succeed.

The President highlighted his Government's commitment to ensuring that public institutions work for the people by creating opportunities rather than placing obstacles in the way of enterprise. Since 2018, his Government has pursued reforms aimed at strengthening institutions and improving systems. The introduction of the online registration platform is another achievement in that direction.

However, President Bio emphasized that the success of the system would not be determined by its launch alone but by the actual improvements entrepreneurs experience when using the service. He directed the National Investment Board (NIB) to ensure that registration requirements remain transparent, services are accessible, and complaints are addressed promptly.

As part of the launch ceremony, President Bio presented a business registration certificate to the first person to use the Online Business Registration System. He also pledged his support to help promote the beneficiary's business, highlighting his Government's commitment to supporting entrepreneurs and encouraging business growth through the new digital platform.

The Executive Director of the National Investment Board, Dr. Edward Hinga Sandy, described the launch as an important step towards making business registration quicker, easier, and more accessible to everyone. He explained that entrepreneurs from districts such as Kono and Kambia previously had to spend money on transportation to travel to Freetown to register their businesses.

The Online Business Registration System allows businesses to be registered online through www.obrslnib.all, with a service standard of eight working hours for complete applications. Dr. Sandy encouraged entrepreneurs to take advantage of the platform, saying applicants can submit their applications online, return the following day for updates where necessary, visit NIB offices less frequently, and track their applications instead of having to make enquiries about their status.

Key points

• The Online Business Registration System aims to simplify business registration and eliminate bureaucratic hurdles in Sierra Leone.