Private Sector Development Programme in Sierra Leone

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is undertaking early market engagement (EME) in advance of a potential future procurement for a new private sector development programme in Sierra Leone.

This programme is expected to complement a joint FCDO-British International Investment (BII) programme, Horizon Sierra Leone, which focuses primarily on unlocking near-term investment opportunities. The proposed new programme will focus on strengthening the underlying conditions required to make investment in Sierra Leone's tradable sectors, particularly agriculture and manufacturing, more attractive, productive, and inclusive.

Indicative areas of support may include:

- Provide targeted support to investors and businesses to identify opportunities, reduce market-entry risks and costs, test new business models, and unlock investment through market scoping, feasibility studies, pipeline development, business viability assessments, and piloting innovative financing solutions

- Technical assistance and advisory support to businesses that strengthen market systems and create wider benefits to sector(s), including providers of inputs, logistics, infrastructure, capital goods, and other enabling services.

- Support to anchor firms to adopt more inclusive business practices, including employing more women into better-quality jobs, promoting women into leadership positions, and strengthening sourcing from women-owned businesses within supply chains.

- Provide targeted assistance to government ministries, departments, and agencies to deliver priority reforms that unlock sectoral growth, improve the business environment, and strengthen the financial sector.