U.S. companies wishing to do business in Sierra Leone are encouraged to contact the Economic and Commercial Section of the U.S. Embassy in Freetown. The Embassy can counsel U.S. companies on the business environment, help them to navigate the legal and regulatory framework, guide them on market entry processes, and provide official advocacy on government-related tenders and procurements when U.S. companies have been approved for such advocacy. The Embassy became a Department of Commerce Partner Post in 2018 and provides the full range of branded commercial services of the Department of Commerce, including the Gold Key Service, Single Company Promotion, International Partner Search, International Company Profile, and Customized Market Research.
Interested U.S. companies can request any of these services through the International Trade Specialist in the United States Export Assistance Center (USEACs) in their respective states or engage the U.S. Commercial Service in Ghana, which covers Sierra Leone, to facilitate the request for these services.
Potential investors or new businesses that wish to register as companies in Sierra Leone must register with the National Investment Board while sole proprietorships, partnerships, and cooperatives register with the Office of the Administrator and Registrar General. There is an American Business Council and a Sierra Leone Chamber of Commerce, Agriculture, and Industry (SLCCIA). Investors are encouraged to hire the services of a registered attorney to provide guidance in going through the process of registration.