Doing Business

Business etiquette in Sierra Leone varies according to individual sectors and tends to follow western customs. When meeting with someone, it is polite to greet them and address them by their professional titles. Sierra Leone's official administrative language is English. All correspondence is written in English. Business cards are accepted. Personal calls, emails, cell phone conversations, text messages, and even hand-delivered notes can all be used to schedule business appointments. Meetings are not always punctual in Sierra Leone, and events do not always begin on time. It is also a good idea to confirm appointments ahead of time.

Have everything set up before meetings, as it is perceived as impolite to ask your hosts for anything. For more formal dealings, lightweight suits should be worn. Shaking hands between men and women is the most common form of introduction and business cards can be exchanged. Business hours are generally from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.