Invest
Back Sierra Leone’s innovation economy from the ground floor.
Three ways in: the national fund, the startups it backs, and the land and leases inside the Special Economic Zone for Technology.
The fund
The Sierra Leone Innovation Investment Fund.
A national blended-finance platform that mobilises public, private and development capital to accelerate digital infrastructure, build future-ready skills, de-risk private investment and scale innovative enterprises.
Its governance, institutional, legal and operational framework is being designed now under the African Development Bank’s DIGEST project, alongside the feasibility study for the Tech City and a phased implementation roadmap for both.
$150M
Target over five years
$1.4M
African Development Bank grant already committed to the investment portfolio and a startup fund
3
Sources blended: public, private and development capital
Routes in
Where an investor fits.
01
Co-invest through the fund
Institutional and development investors can take part in SLIIF as it is capitalised, with public capital de-risking private participation.
02
Back the startups
SMIRA prepares 200+ startups for investment and introduces them to a network of investors. The Startup World Cup semi-finals bring the pipeline to one room.
03
Land, leases and operations
Leasehold and freehold grants under restrictive covenants through the Estates Company, and operating opportunities in the BPO hub and innovation hubs.
The Tech City case
The project’s own projections.
For the physical development, the project team projects an internal rate of return of 15 to 20 percent over ten years, a net present value of $200 million and a payback period of 5 to 7 years, depending on the timing of revenue and cost management. Returns come from land in the development phase, operations in the growth phase and partnerships at maturity.
Sale of equity stakes
To incoming investors as the city de-risks phase by phase.
Public offerings
As revenues become predictable and the operating companies mature.
Acquisition
Buyouts by larger technology firms or investment groups.
Valuation
Projected at approximately $1 billion by year ten, based on expected revenue growth, demand and investor interest.
Please read
These are projections, not guarantees.
The figures on this page are forward-looking estimates published by the Government of Sierra Leone for information. They depend on assumptions that may change. They are not an offer, a solicitation or investment advice. Any investment is made under its own agreement and due diligence, and you should take independent professional advice before committing capital.
Start the conversation
Tell us what you want to back.
Choose “Investment” on the contact form and the enquiry goes to the investment team.