Research rules
Data protection law in Sierra Leone: registration and research permits
What a survey team needs to know about personal data and survey authorization in Sierra Leone.
Summary for planning; confirm requirements with the regulator before fieldwork.
Status
operational regulator
Data protection law
Data Protection Act 2021 (Act 5 of 2021) (2021)
Regulator
National Data Protection Commission (NDPC)
Registration
registration of data controllers required
Survey permits
National statistics office
Note
NDPC established under the 2021 Act.
Sierra Leone research rules: common questions
Is there a data protection law in Sierra Leone?
Data Protection Act 2021 (Act 5 of 2021) (2021).
Who regulates personal data in Sierra Leone?
National Data Protection Commission (NDPC).
Do I need to register to collect personal data in Sierra Leone?
Registration of data controllers required.
Do I need a permit to run a survey in Sierra Leone?
SSL permit required under the Statistics Act 2002.
Sources: the regulator and statistics office pages linked above, retrieved 10 Oct 2026. See our methods.