Nabeela Tunis Unveils Tourism Gains and Vision in Makeni

By Mo Hamad Kargbo

The Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Madam Nabeela Farida Tunis, has assured Sierra Leoneans that the country’s tourism sector is on a path of steady growth and international recognition. Speaking on Tuesday, 16th September 2025, at the University of Makeni (UNIMAK) auditorium during Day Two of the Civic Day Series, organized by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE), Madam Tunis outlined the ministry’s achievements, ongoing reforms, and ambitious plans for the future.

In her opening remarks, the minister described the Civic Day engagement as more than just a government outreach program, noting that it provided a vital platform for dialogue between citizens and policymakers. She explained that her presence in Makeni was not only to share updates on the ministry’s work but also to gather fresh ideas and feedback from the public an approach she said would help add value to national tourism and cultural development.

“President Julius Maada Bio has entrusted us with the responsibility of positioning tourism and culture at the heart of Sierra Leone’s economic growth strategy,” she said, adding that tourism could only thrive if citizens embraced it as their collective business.

Achievements Highlighted

Minister Tunis took the audience through some of the ministry’s notable accomplishments over the past year:

Strategic Planning & Training: A comprehensive strategic plan was rolled out, coupled with capacity-building sessions for ministry staff and key stakeholders, including journalists, to strengthen support for the creative economy.

Tourism for All Campaign: Launched by President Bio, this nationwide campaign seeks to take tourism “to every doorstep.” Madam Tunis recalled that her team visited Makeni more than four times last year, with plans to return again in two weeks to mark Tourism Day.

Creative Economy Growth: According to a recent World Bank-administered report, Sierra Leone’s creative industries
including music, fashion, gastronomy, and film
now contribute at least 4.5% to national GDP, while the broader cultural and creative sector accounts for over 10%.

Women’s Empowerment: More than 800 women were trained in gara tie-dye last year. Today, their cultural products are not only showcased across Sierra Leone but are also gaining recognition as authentic cultural symbols.

Tourism Infrastructure Development: Key sites such as Leicester Peak, Tacugama, and Bureah Beach are currently being transformed into world-class destinations to attract both domestic and international tourists.

Rising Global Recognition

In one of her most notable announcements, Madam Tunis revealed that the Gola-Tiwai Complex in southern Sierra Leone has been formally listed by UNESCO as a potential world heritage site. She explained that preliminary documentation has already been submitted to the African World Heritage Committee and that the process could take two years to complete.

“This recognition is a game-changer,” she said. “It will not only enhance Sierra Leone’s cultural pride but also place us firmly on the global tourism map.”

Partnerships and Upcoming Events

The minister further disclosed ongoing international collaborations, including a partnership with Intentrique, a global media company with 30 million followers, which will soon begin promoting Sierra Leone’s cultural and tourism assets on the international stage.

She also announced an exciting lineup of cultural events for the coming months and years:

One Nation Reggae Festival featuring international reggae stars, including Jamaican artists, alongside Sierra Leone’s own talents.

Third Africa Gastronomy Forum (2026) a major continental gathering that will spotlight Africa’s rich and diverse food culture, with Sierra Leone as host.

A Call to Action

Madam Tunis emphasized that tourism’s success depends on collective responsibility. She called on Sierra Leoneans to protect the environment, which she described as the “beauty of Sierra Leone” and a magnet for international visitors.

“Tourism is everyone’s business,” she concluded. “If we nurture our talents, protect our heritage,