Minister Pushes Diaspora Support for Tourism and Cultural Development

Minister Pushes Diaspora Support for Tourism and Cultural Development

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Farida Tunis, has urged Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora to actively invest in the country’s tourism and cultural sectors, describing them as vital engines for economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development.

She made the appeal at the Sierra Leone Diaspora Investment Meeting in London, where she outlined government efforts to improve the investment climate and strengthen collaboration with the private sector.

Minister Tunis explained that while the Ministry of Trade and Industry leads the broader national investment framework, her ministry is responsible for ensuring tourism projects comply with environmental and sustainability standards.

She highlighted ongoing developments at Bureh Beach and revealed that about 6,000 hectares of land have been identified through the Ministry of Lands for future tourism investment projects.

Tourism, she said, remains a priority sector under the government’s development agenda, with Sierra Leone seeking to leverage its natural attractions, beaches, biodiversity, and cultural heritage to attract both local and international investors.

The Minister also emphasized the government’s renewed focus on cultural and creative industries, noting that 2026 has been designated as Sierra Leone’s “Year of Culture and Creativity.”

She said the initiative aims to turn culture into a productive economic sector by promoting investment in arts, fashion, entertainment, crafts, gastronomy, and other creative enterprises that can generate jobs, especially for young people and women.

As part of this plan, the government is preparing flagship events such as the National Food Expo, African Gastronomy Event, and One Nation Reggae Festival to showcase Sierra Leone’s cultural richness and tourism potential.

Minister Tunis further encouraged diaspora investors to take advantage of emerging opportunities and partner with the government in building a sustainable and inclusive tourism economy.

Her remarks come as the government intensifies efforts to position Sierra Leone as a competitive tourism destination in West Africa and expand diaspora participation in national development.