Helping businesses keep better records, manage funding and attract investment will be the focus of the Capital & Business Lab, scheduled for 12 December 2026 in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
The event, organised by Connoisseur Consult Sierra Leone in partnership with the Sierra Leone Local Content Agency, will bring together 120 participants at Lagoonda Resort, Aberdeen, from 10:00 a.m.
The programme aims to address practical challenges that can prevent growing enterprises from securing and making effective use of capital.
Mahawa Kamara, founder of Connoisseur Consult Sierra Leone, said her team’s work with more than 200 enterprises across Freetown, Bo and Makeni over the past two years helped shape the initiative.
She explained that some businesses had regular customers and sales but lacked clear financial records, making it difficult to establish their monthly earnings and demonstrate their position to potential lenders or investors.
“Moving beyond general discussions on capital availability, we focus squarely on establishing the internal operational conditions businesses need to absorb and sustain capital effectively,” she said.
Participants will examine financial management, business registration, insurance, contracts and access to wider markets. Discussions will also address separating personal spending from business finances, calculating profits and reducing reliance on owners for everyday operations.
Sidi Saccoh will deliver a keynote address on reducing perceived risk when seeking investment. A panel session titled “What Nobody Tells You” will explore practical experiences of managing investment in Sierra Leone.
The programme will include roundtable discussions under three themes: Capital Gateways, Business Protection and Market Gateways. Participants will use information from their own enterprises to assess weaknesses and identify a practical action to take after the event.
Growing businesses, banks, insurance companies, professional service providers, diaspora investors and returning professionals are among the groups being targeted.
The event will close with a networking lunch, allowing participants to meet institutions and professionals who could support their business plans.
Organisers say the work will continue beyond December, with follow-up check-ins planned at six and twelve months. Information gathered will contribute to the Sierra Leone Business Health Report.
Local delegates will pay NLe1,000 per seat and can book through beamsl.com/events/16 using mobile money. Registration for diaspora and international participants costs £40 per seat, payable by card through the Connoisseur Consults website.
Organisations seeking multiple places or an invoice can contact the organisers directly. Seats will be confirmed in order of payment, with registration closing once the 120 available places are filled.
Further enquiries can be directed to +232 78 798 967 or info@connoisseurconsults.com.
