AYV News, November 11, 2026
Sierra Leone’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay, has presented the country’s ongoing legal and regulatory reform initiatives at the World Bank Group’s Law, Justice and Development Forum held in Washington, D.C., from November 2–3, 2026.
The two-day international forum brought together Attorneys-General and Ministers of Justice from various countries to discuss how effective legal and regulatory frameworks can promote private sector investment, strengthen business growth and support sustainable economic development.
During the engagement, participants explored practical approaches to modernising financial sector legislation, strengthening contract enforcement and simplifying business regulations. Discussions also focused on environmental and social safeguards, economic resilience and the role of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, in accelerating legal and institutional reforms.
A major highlight of the forum was Sierra Leone’s presentation of its ongoing legal reform agenda, with Attorney-General Alpha Sesay showcasing the proposed Companies and Allied Matters Bill as an example of the country’s efforts to modernise its business and investment environment.
The proposed legislation seeks to consolidate existing company and business registration laws into a single, modern legal framework. It is also designed to address structural weaknesses in the current system and introduce an online business registration platform to simplify procedures, improve efficiency and make it easier for entrepreneurs to formalise their businesses.
Once enacted, the Bill will repeal and replace the Companies Act, 2009, as amended in 2014; the Registration of Business Act, 2007; and the General Law (Business Start-Up) (Amendment) Act, 2007.
The proposed reforms are expected to contribute to improving Sierra Leone’s business climate by reducing administrative difficulties associated with business registration and providing a more streamlined legal framework for entrepreneurs and investors.
Sierra Leone’s participation in the forum also provided an opportunity to exchange experiences with other countries, learn from international best practices and strengthen cooperation with development partners on legal and institutional reforms.
The engagement comes amid broader national efforts to strengthen public institutions, improve the investment climate and create an enabling environment for private sector development.
The reform agenda underscores the connection between an effective justice system and economic growth. A transparent, efficient and predictable legal framework is essential for protecting rights, enforcing contracts, building investor confidence, encouraging entrepreneurship and supporting job creation.
For Sierra Leone, the proposed Companies and Allied Matters Bill represents an important step towards establishing a modern business registration system and a more predictable legal environment in which local entrepreneurs and international investors can operate and expand their businesses.
