IoDSL Certifies 15 Directors and Signs Governance Partnership in Freetown

The Institute of Directors Sierra Leone (IoDSL) certified 15 Directors and signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Sierra Leone Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture at a ceremony in Freetown on 25 September 2026.

The Certification and Rebirth Ceremony, held at the New Brookfields Hotel, brought together representatives from the business community, public institutions and financial sector. The event centered on professional directorship, ethical leadership and corporate governance.

Fifteen Directors receive certification

The 15 newly certified Directors completed a corporate governance training programme. Speaking on behalf of Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, Minister of Trade Alpha Ibrahim Sesay said the certificates represented both the completion of professional training and an obligation to uphold higher standards of accountability and integrity.

Sesay also noted that 10 of the 15 newly certified Directors are women. He said the rebirth of IoDSL represented an important milestone for the private sector and national development, and called on the institute to provide evidence-based recommendations, engage Government early in policymaking and help identify obstacles affecting businesses.

The newly certified Directors are expected to apply their training to strengthen the institutions they serve.

New collaboration agreement

The ceremony included the signing of an MoU between IoDSL and the Sierra Leone Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture. The agreement is intended to strengthen collaboration between the two organizations, although details of its terms and the representatives who signed it were not provided.

In his opening remarks, Kobi Walker, Chairman of the Rebirth and Certification Committee, said IoDSL’s work to promote sound leadership, ethical governance, professional excellence and institutional accountability was important to businesses, institutions and Sierra Leone’s sustainable development.

“The occasion should not be regarded as an end but as a new beginning,” Walker said, while calling for stronger collaboration and renewed determination to build the institute. He also said IoDSL’s future depended on active membership, professionalism and a commitment to high standards of directorship and governance.

Calls for stronger governance standards

Amy E. Greene, Interim President of IoDSL, said the institute was focused on building on its legacy, increasing value for members and developing the next generation of Directors. She also highlighted IoDSL’s recent election to the African Corporate Governance Network Board, describing it as an opportunity for Sierra Leone to contribute to corporate governance efforts across Africa.

Dr. Modupeh Taylor-Pearce, Vice President 1 of the Sierra Leone Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, linked sound corporate governance to investment readiness and access to regulated capital markets. She said corporate governance certification for individuals nominated to serve on Boards should eventually become mandatory.

Fatima Mahawa Sandi, Deputy Executive Director of the National Investment Board, said good corporate governance was fundamental to attracting and retaining responsible investment. She also called for greater collaboration between the National Investment Board and IoDSL and said the board plans to launch an online business registration system in November 2026.

Bank governor highlights Board responsibilities

Dr. Ibrahim Stevens, Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone, delivered the keynote address. He said good corporate governance was fundamental to sustainable economic growth, institutional resilience and national development.

Stevens said strong Boards provide strategic direction, establish effective oversight, challenge management and ensure that institutions operate sustainably. “Resilience begins in the Boardroom,” he said, urging Directors to understand institutional risks, challenge management constructively and maintain a long-term perspective.

He also said Sierra Leone’s financial sector was undergoing digitalization and modernization, creating opportunities while requiring stronger cybersecurity, data governance and technological oversight. The Bank of Sierra Leone’s Corporate Governance Guidelines for commercial banks and financial holding companies became effective in January 2024, according to the governor.

The programme also featured a presentation by Michala Mackay titled “From Statue to Standard: The Future of Sierra Leone’s Boardrooms”.