Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs

Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs Promoting sustainable tourism for economic growth and sociocultural empowerment in order to preserve, protect and promote cultural diversity of Sierra Leone.

Calling all women in Sierra Leone's tourism sectorA new opportunity is here to help you grow, lead, and thrive in touris...
12/08/2026

Calling all women in Sierra Leone's tourism sector

A new opportunity is here to help you grow, lead, and thrive in tourism.

UN Tourism, with the support of the Women in Tourism Leadership Africa Committee (WITLAC), is offering a six-month mentorship programme for women across Africa. Whether you're a young professional, entrepreneur, emerging leader, mid-career expert, or a woman in a rural community, this programme is designed to strengthen your leadership skills, expand your network, and support your professional journey.

This initiative was inspired by recommendations from the Women in Tourism Regional Congress held in Freetown, Sierra Leone, in October 2024.

Don't miss this chance to be part of a new generation of women shaping the future of tourism in Africa.

Apply, grow, and lead.

Scan the QR Code

TLC Begins Regional Tour in Makeni to Strengthen Tourism FederationMTCA, Freetown – August 9, 2026. In adherence to time...
10/08/2026

TLC Begins Regional Tour in Makeni to Strengthen Tourism Federation

MTCA, Freetown – August 9, 2026. In adherence to timelines flagged for the upcoming Federation Elections in September as a priority requiring proactive attention, the Transitional Leadership Committee (TLC) has officially commenced its nationwide regional tour in Makeni, marking a pivotal step toward consolidating the stakeholders for the National Tourism Federation. The tour is designed to engage local actors, foster collaboration, and build consensus on the future of Sierra Leone’s tourism sector.

Hosted at the Royal Hotel in Makeni City, the TLC’s regional engagement was aimed at strengthening dialogue between government, private sector, and community stakeholders; promoting inclusivity in decision-making for tourism development; and laying the groundwork for a unified Federation that can serve as the voice of the industry.

In his brief statement, the Head of Delegation, who also doubled as the Secretary for the TLC, Mr Abdul Kareem Jalloh, emphasised that the tour is not merely consultative but a participatory process to ensure that every region contributes to shaping the Federation’s agenda. He underscored that tourism is a national asset requiring collective stewardship, and the Federation will serve as a platform for coordination, advocacy, and innovation.
It could be recalled that the Federation was conceived as a response to longstanding challenges in Sierra Leone’s tourism industry, including fragmented representation, weak institutional coordination, and limited investment. Its establishment seeks to provide a unified body to represent diverse tourism stakeholders, including hospitality, culture, the film industry, creative industries, and community enterprises.

It also seeks to enhance policy advocacy, ensure that sectoral priorities are reflected in national development strategies, and mobilise resources and partnerships for sustainable tourism growth.

The Federation is envisioned as a transformative instrument that enables Sierra Leone to position itself competitively within West Africa’s tourism landscape. By bringing together voices from across the country, it aims to strengthen destination management, improve service standards, and promote cultural heritage as a cornerstone of national identity.

Makeni was chosen as the starting site for its strategic role in the Northern Province and its growing reputation as a hub for cultural and eco-tourism. The city’s involvement symbolises the Federation’s commitment to regional inclusivity and the recognition that tourism development must extend beyond Freetown to harness the full potential of Sierra Leone’s diverse landscapes and communities.

Sierra Leone Bids Farewell to Mariyam Lorba Konneh Ahead of Miss World PageantMTCA, Freetown, August 9, 2026 — A colourf...
10/08/2026

Sierra Leone Bids Farewell to Mariyam Lorba Konneh Ahead of Miss World Pageant

MTCA, Freetown, August 9, 2026 — A colourful farewell ceremony was held at the weekend (8th August 2026) in Freetown for Ms Mariyam Lorba Konneh, Sierra Leone’s representative at the upcoming Miss World Beauty Pageant in Vietnam this September. The event, organised by the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs (MTCA), brought together government officials, cultural leaders, and members of the creative industry to celebrate Konneh’s journey and to send her off with words of encouragement.

The Head of Public Affairs and Communications of the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Emmanuel A.B Turay, who also doubled as the Master of Ceremonies in his welcome statement, stated that Mariyam embodies the grace, resilience, and creativity of Sierra Leone. Her participation is not just about beauty; it is about showcasing our culture, our heritage, and our national pride to the world. He highlighted that Konneh’s participation aligns with MTCA’s broader strategy to promote Sierra Leone globally and attract investment into the tourism sector.
The Chairman of Miss Sierra Leone Limited, His Excellency Dr Adonis Aboud, in his brief remarks on behalf of the Board, noted that this farewell is a reminder that Sierra Leone’s daughters can stand tall on global stages. “Mariyam carries the hopes of our young women who aspire to lead, inspire, and transform society”, he added.

The Director General of the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation, Josephine Kamara, maintained that Mariyam is a symbol of Sierra Leone’s rising creative talent. She believes that with the support of fellow compatriots, especially the younger generation through digital means, Mariyam will shine in Vietnam and open doors for more of our artists and models to gain international recognition. She further called on Sierra Leoneans abroad to rally behind Mariyam. Her presence at Miss World is a cultural mission, and diaspora support is vital in amplifying her voice and our nation’s image.

In her farewell remarks, Konneh expressed gratitude to the government, her sponsors, and the people of Sierra Leone: “I am humbled by the love and support I have received. I promise to represent Sierra Leone with dignity, pride, and passion. This is not just my journey; it is our collective story of resilience and beauty”, she said. Mariyam appealed to Sierra Leoneans to rally behind her, stressing that she is representing the nation, rather than herself.

The farewell ceremony underscored the government’s commitment to using international platforms to rebrand Sierra Leone as a hub for eco-tourism, cultural heritage, and creative industries. The farewell for Mariyam Luba Konneh was more than a send-off; it was a celebration of Sierra Leone’s cultural identity, a rallying call for unity, and a bold step in positioning the nation on the global stage.

MARIYAM LORBA KONNEH BRIEFS PRESS AHEAD OF MISS WORLD PAGEANT Freetown, August 5, 2026 — Sierra Leone’s representative t...
05/08/2026

MARIYAM LORBA KONNEH BRIEFS PRESS AHEAD OF MISS WORLD PAGEANT

Freetown, August 5, 2026 — Sierra Leone’s representative to the upcoming Miss World Beauty Pageant in Vietnam, Mariyam Lorba Konneh, addressed journalists at the Ministry of Information and Civic Education’s National Press Briefing on Tuesday (4th July, 2026). Her participation is being strongly supported by the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs (MTCA), which views the global contest as a unique opportunity to showcase Sierra Leone’s culture, heritage, and tourism potential.

Ms Lorba Konneh expressed gratitude to the government and people of Sierra Leone for their encouragement, pledging to represent the nation with dignity and pride. She emphasised her commitment to promoting African unity, women’s empowerment, and cultural identity on the Miss World stage.

The press briefing underscored the government’s commitment to using international platforms to rebrand Sierra Leone. Ms Konneh’s participation is expected to boost national pride and position Sierra Leone as a rising hub for ecotourism, cultural heritage, and the growth of the creative industry.

Miss World 2026 is scheduled to take place on September 5, 2026. The event will be part of a month-long festival running from August 9 to September 5, 2026, featuring multiple preliminary competitions, cultural showcases, and social initiatives. The Miss World 2026 will feature contestants from over 100 countries and territories, each representing their nation after winning national-level pageants.

In an interview with the MTCA Communications unit, Mrs Sophie Johnson, a Senior Board member of Miss Sierra Leone Limited, called on Sierra Leoneans at home and in the diaspora to rally behind Ms Konneh and invest in their homeland. She stressed that tourism and cultural promotion are key drivers of economic diversification, and diaspora involvement is vital to sustaining momentum.

Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Farida Tunis, described Ms Konneh’s participation as “a cultural milestone and a new chapter in Sierra Leone’s international branding.” She noted that the Miss World platform will amplify Sierra Leone’s tourism narrative, complementing recent sectoral improvements and the promotion of cultural festivals.

“Mariyam Lorba Konneh’s presence at Miss World next week in Vietnam is more than a pageant; it is a national mission to showcase Sierra Leone’s beauty, culture, and potential to the world,” the Tourism Minister noted.

Wodemaya Commends Sierra Leone’s Tourism Minister for Bold Sectoral GainsFreetown, August 3, 2026 – Ghanaian YouTube sta...
03/08/2026

Wodemaya Commends Sierra Leone’s Tourism Minister for Bold Sectoral Gains

Freetown, August 3, 2026 – Ghanaian YouTube star and pan-African influencer, Wodemaya, has lauded Sierra Leone’s Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Farida Tunis, for her relentless drive in repositioning Sierra Leone as a competitive tourism destination. Speaking during an interview on Truth Media, Wodemaya highlighted the Minister’s hands-on leadership and innovative reforms that are steadily transforming the sector.

He pointed to landmark initiatives such as the Tourism Innovation Centre at Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, which blends conservation with digital learning and eco-tourism. According to him, such projects not only protect Sierra Leone’s unique biodiversity but also create new avenues for youth engagement, research, and international collaboration.
“Minister Tunis is showing Africa that tourism is not just about beaches and hotels; it’s about innovation, culture, and sustainability,” Wodemaya remarked.

The sectoral improvements under Tunis’s leadership include: Eco-tourism expansion: Tacugama’s Innovation Center that is attracting global attention, in terms of Cultural promotion: the revitalisation of heritage sites and festivals that is strengthening Sierra Leone’s cultural identity; and infrastructure and visibility, there has been strategic partnerships that are improving facilities and marketing Sierra Leone abroad.

Wodemaya used the platform to urge Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora and Africans worldwide to invest in their homeland and continent. He emphasised that tourism offers untapped opportunities for job creation, cultural preservation, and sustainable development.

“Africa will only rise when Africans themselves believe in it. Sierra Leoneans abroad must see tourism as a gateway to rebuild and rebrand their nation,” he said.

The interview underscores a growing consensus that Sierra Leone’s tourism sector, once overlooked, is now gaining momentum through visionary leadership and regional advocacy. With continued investment and diaspora engagement, the country could emerge as a West African hub for eco-tourism and cultural heritage.

🔥 THE SIGNAL IS LIVE! 🔥The wait is over. Busy Signal is officially confirmed as the headliner for One Nation Reggae Fest...
31/07/2026

🔥 THE SIGNAL IS LIVE! 🔥

The wait is over. Busy Signal is officially confirmed as the headliner for One Nation Reggae Festival Vol. 2! 🇸🇱🎶

Get ready for a massive celebration of reggae, dancehall, culture and unforgettable live energy as one of the genre’s biggest names comes to Sierra Leone.

📅 25–30 November 2026🎤 BUSY SIGNAL — HEADLINER

The countdown starts now. Salone, are you ready?

ONE LOVE, ONE VIBE. SHARED ROOTS, SHARED RHYTHM.

31/07/2026

Get ready to be busy with us this November as we present the Busiest of signal for the One Nation REGGAE Festival. We present to you our headliner BUSY SIGNAL.

One Nation Reggae Festival Launches Nationwide with Cultural FanfareFreetown, July 30, 2026 — Ahead of the One Nation Re...
30/07/2026

One Nation Reggae Festival Launches Nationwide with Cultural Fanfare

Freetown, July 30, 2026 — Ahead of the One Nation Reggae Festival in November this year, Sierra Leone’s cultural calendar is expected to reach a new high today as the One Nation Reggae Festival will be officially launched in Bo City, Makeni City, and Freetown, marking the start of a nationwide celebration of music, heritage, and unity.

The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, in collaboration with creative industry partners, will unveil the festival simultaneously across the three cities, underscoring its mission to fuse Sierra Leonean and Caribbean traditions while promoting peace, creativity, and economic growth.

In Bo City (VALENTINO CLUB), the launch will feature vibrant performances by local reggae bands and cultural troupes. At the same time, Makeni City (KIVAS BAR) is expected to host youth-led showcases highlighting the festival’s role in empowering the next generation of artists. Freetown’s ceremony will be held at the BBQ Box in the West and Fox Bar in the East, which will be graced by senior officials and industry leaders, who will emphasise the festival’s potential to position Sierra Leone as Africa’s reggae capital.

Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs Nabeela Farida Tunis has described the festival as “a symbol of Sierra Leone’s openness, resilience, and creativity", noting that its expansion into the regions reflects the government’s commitment to inclusive cultural development.

The One Nation Reggae Festival, which blends live performances, workshops, and international collaborations, is expected to attract global attention, boost tourism, and generate significant revenue for the creative sector.

After the launch, Sierra Leoneans across the country will be set to enjoy weeks of rhythm, culture, and unity, proving that reggae is more than music; it is a movement for national pride and international recognition.

30/07/2026

Old Fourah Bay College Restoration Gains Fresh Momentum

Freetown, Sierra Leone – July 28, 2026 — The Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs has expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Commonwealth Heritage Forum, the World Monuments Fund, and other partners for their continued confidence in the restoration of Old Fourah Bay College.

The Minister Nabeela Farida Tunis described the additional investment as a powerful endorsement of the Government of Sierra Leone’s commitment to safeguarding national heritage.
“As we celebrate the Year of Culture and Creativity, this revival is more than bricks and mortar,” the Minister noted. “It is about preserving our identity, honouring our intellectual legacy, and opening new doors for culture, education, and tourism.”
The restoration of Old Fourah Bay College, once hailed as the “Athens of West Africa”, is widely seen as a landmark project that will reconnect Sierra Leoneans with their history while positioning the site as a global attraction.

Together with its partners, Sierra Leone is not simply restoring a historic building but bringing a national symbol back to life.
It could be recalled that the rehabilitation of Old Fourah Bay College in Freetown is being spearheaded by the Commonwealth Heritage Forum and the World Monuments Fund, with a £300,000 grant marking a major milestone in safeguarding Sierra Leone’s cultural heritage. The project is restoring the oldest Western-style higher education institution south of the Sahara, transforming it into a cultural hub for education, tourism, and community regeneration.

Address

B28 Kingharman Road Brookfields
Freetown
232

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00
Thursday 08:00 - 17:00
Friday 08:00 - 15:00

Telephone

+23276688755

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