Tourism Minister Pitches Sierra Leone to Global Investors in Qatar
Sierra Leone has promoted its tourism sector and investment opportunities at the 9th World Investment Forum 2026 in Doha, Qatar, as part of efforts to attract foreign investment, create jobs and support inclusive economic growth.
The delegation, led by the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Farida Tunis, joined more than 6,000 global leaders, government officials, investors and business executives at the forum, organised by Qatar in partnership with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
Discussions focused on foreign direct investment, climate resilience, artificial intelligence, sustainable finance and strategies for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. According to UNCTAD’s World Investment Report 2026, global foreign direct investment rose by six per cent to approximately US$1.6 trillion in 2025, although more than 80 per cent of the investment was concentrated in the world’s 20 largest economies, highlighting the challenges developing countries face in attracting international capital.
Speaking during a high-level panel on “Investing in the Future of Tourism and Culture,” Minister Tunis outlined Sierra Leone’s efforts to develop tourism as a driver of employment, livelihoods and inclusive economic growth. She highlighted the Tourism for All Campaign in 2024, the Year of Ecotourism in 2025 and the Year of Culture and Creativity in 2026, which aim to expand participation in tourism and the creative industries while increasing benefits for local communities.
She also called for better access to financing for local artists and creative entrepreneurs, particularly women, through partnerships with financial institutions and private-sector organisations.
On the sidelines of the forum, the delegation met with JTA Holdings Chief Executive Officer, Dr Amir Ali Salemi Zadeh, to explore potential investments in aviation, tourism and hospitality, including ecotourism development and improved connectivity.
Minister Tunis identified Solima, Sugarland Beach, River No. 2 and the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary as locations with tourism development potential.
The delegation also met with Qatar Tourism Chairman, H.E. Saad bin Ali Al-Kharji, to discuss cooperation in tourism development, knowledge exchange, capacity building and investment promotion. During the engagement, the Chairman expressed support for training Sierra Leonean tourism professionals in digital marketing and tourism policy development.
Minister Tunis further promoted upcoming events, including the West Africa Integration and Investment Summit, the One Nation Reggae Festival and the forthcoming UN Tourism Africa Gastronomy Forum, inviting international investors and partners to participate in initiatives supporting Sierra Leone’s tourism and cultural sectors.
As part of the visit, the delegation paid a courtesy call on the Embassy of Sierra Leone in Doha, where diplomatic staff were briefed on the country’s tourism promotion efforts. Promotional materials were also presented to support the Embassy’s destination marketing activities.
The delegation’s engagements were supported by Sierra Leone’s diplomatic mission in Qatar, led by Ambassador Ahmed Tejan Fadlu-Deen and Head of Chancery Max Charley.
Sierra Leone’s participation in the forum provided an opportunity to showcase its tourism development priorities, establish contacts with potential investors and explore partnerships across tourism, aviation, hospitality and the creative industries.
Comments