5 Apps and Digital Portals You Need in Sierra Leone in 2026

My phone does a lot of heavy lifting when I’m home in Freetown. Payments, directions, business paperwork, keeping in touch with family: it all runs through a handful of apps.

If you’re coming home for Diaspora Week, set these up before you land so you’re not scrambling once you’re here.

1. NIB Online Portal

If you’re coming home to do business, start with the National Investment Board’s online portal at nib.gov.sl. It’s the one-stop shop for registering your business, and setup takes three to five days.

2. Orange Money

Sign up as soon as you land. It’s essential for payments and for buying data for your phone. You’ll use it to pay for EDSA way light done, and way cash lef you na restaurant.

3. Google Maps (offline)

Yes, it works! Download the offline map for Freetown before you arrive, and you’ll get directions even when your data runs out.

4. WhatsApp

You already know. WhatsApp is the primary way Salone communicates, from family group chats to business deals.

5. BnB to send money

Use BnB to send money directly to a Mobile Money wallet instantly. It’s the quickest way to get funds to family, vendors or yourself.

Bonus: a power bank

Unless you have solar, please bring a power bank. It keeps your phone charged and your apps running through long days out.

Your Diaspora Week pass

Save your battery to capture all the best networking moments at Diaspora Week, December 28 to January 5. Business, networking, culture and entertainment, all in one pass.

Get your all-access pass →

Set these up once and your phone becomes your best travel companion in Salone.

This post is part of my Diaspora Week travel series on Instagram. Follow along at @vickieremoe for more tips on coming home.