Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs

01/06/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MINISTRY OF TOURISM AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS ANNOUNCES ONE NATION REGGAE FESTIVAL VOL. 2

Freetown, 1st June 2026

The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs is delighted to announce the return of the One Nation Reggae Festival, with Volume 2 set for 25th–30th November 2026.

Building on the success of the inaugural festival and the outcomes of the 2025 Creative Clinic, the festival continues to serve as a premier platform for celebrating reggae music, cultural diversity, creativity, and national unity. It also supports Sierra Leone’s growing reputation as a cultural tourism destination while creating opportunities for artists, creatives, entrepreneurs, and local communities.

Guided by recommendations contained in the recently launched One Nation Reggae Festival Creative Clinic Report, the 2026 edition will feature performances, cultural showcases, educational forums, and community activities aimed at promoting cultural preservation, youth empowerment, diaspora engagement, and sustainable tourism.

The festival will be preceded by an Intergenerational Conversation on Global Tourism Resilience, organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism of Jamaica. The dialogue will bring together policymakers, tourism practitioners, cultural leaders, academics, youth representatives, and members of the diaspora to explore innovative approaches to building resilient and sustainable tourism sectors in an evolving global landscape.

The Ministry invites the public, development partners, members of the diaspora, and reggae lovers worldwide to save the date and join this unique celebration of music, culture, and African heritage.

One Nation. One People. One Rhythm.

END

30/05/2026

Tourism Ministry Launches One Nation Reggae Festival Creative Clinic Report

28th May, 2026

The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs has officially launched the One Nation Reggae Festival Creative Clinic Report at its headquarters in Freetown. The report emerged from the One Nation Reggae Festival Creative Clinic held on 27 November 2025, which served as a strategic platform bringing together cultural custodians, creatives, policy makers, academics, youth leaders, and diaspora representatives to discuss ways of strengthening Sierra Leone’s cultural, creative, and tourism sectors. The Creative Clinic was facilitated by Betts Firm Consult.

Chair of the event and Communications Specialist, Emmanuel Turay, described the launch as a major milestone in promoting and developing Sierra Leone’s creative economy.
In her welcome address, Senior Permanent Secretary, Judith C. Jones, emphasized the importance of the Creative Clinic in positioning culture and creativity as tools for tourism promotion, youth empowerment, and economic growth. She highlighted the success of the One Nation Reggae Festival as one of Sierra Leone’s growing internationally recognized cultural tourism platforms.

Speaking at the launch, Facilitator of the Creative Clinic, Binta Akibo-Betts commended the Ministry for the partnership and stressed that culture is not only about entertainment or heritage, but also an economic and development asset. Francis Momoh also highlighted the challenges and opportunities within the creative sector, noting that with the right support and investment, the industry can become a major driver of national development and youth empowerment.

Officially launching the report, Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Farida Tunis said the Ministry’s focus on young people is rooted in sustainability and nation building. She noted that initiatives such as Tourism for All, the Year of Ecotourism, and the Year of Culture and Creativity are helping deepen national identity and strengthen tourism development ahead of next year’s International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism.

The event also featured a tourism and culture quiz for pupils and climaxed with the presentation of cash prizes to winners of the Troupe Beat Competition by Director of Culture, Creativity and Innovation, FodayJalloh, Director of Tourism, Travel and Exchange, MohamedJalloh, and the Permanent Secretary Judith C. Jones.

MTCA Communications

28/05/2026

🔴 LIVE NOW

The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs officially launches the Creative Report, a landmark initiative highlighting the growth, innovation and future of Sierra Leone’s creative and cultural industries.

28/05/2026

‼️‼️ Save the Dates!‼️‼️

Sierra Leone is set for an unforgettable season of culture, music, gastronomy, resilience and global connection as the Ministry of Tourism & Cultural Affairs prepares to host a series of landmark events in Freetown. From the launch of the Global Tourism Resilience Growth Center to the vibrant One Nation Reggae Festival Vol. 2, the National Food Expo, and the 3rd UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa.

The countdown begins now!

Come for the rhythm, stay for the flavour.

Tourism Business na Olman Biznes.

27/05/2026

Celebrating faith, unity, and togetherness this Eid Ul Adha. The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs wishes all Muslims a peaceful and blessed Eid Mubarak.

26/05/2026

Monument and Relics Commission Marks African Liberation Day with Historic Heritage Tour for Students

25th May, 2026

The Monument and Relics Commission under the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs commemorated African Liberation Day on 25th May 2026 with an educational heritage tour across some of Freetown’s most historic landmarks, aimed at deepening young people’s understanding of Sierra Leone’s rich cultural and historical legacy. The event brought together teachers and pupils from selected primary and secondary schools, reflecting the Ministry’s continued commitment to promoting cultural awareness and preserving national heritage as part of the 2026 Year of Culture and Creativity.

Welcoming participants at the start of the tour, Research and Development Officer, MRC, Francis Musa Momoh, described Freetown as a city of profound historical significance, not only in relation to transatlantic migration but also in cultural preservation, heritage management, and tourism development. He encouraged the students to take the experience seriously and become ambassadors of history by sharing the knowledge gained with their families, classmates, and communities. According to him, many young people do not always get the opportunity to visit such important sites, making the tour both a privilege and a responsibility for the participants.

The educational journey began at the National Railway Museum, where Educational Outreach Officer, Patrick Massaquoi, guided students through the history of Sierra Leone’s railway system and its contribution to national development. The group later visited the old Fourah Bay College building at Cline Town, currently undergoing rehabilitation through support from the United States Embassy’s Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation. Other key stops included the former railway station on Wallace Johnson Street, where students learned about Pan-Africanist Isaac Wallace-Johnson and ex-slave repatriation leader Thomas Peters, as well as the gateway to the old King’s Yard and the historic St. John’s Maroon Church, regarded as the first Maroon church in West Africa.

In his closing remarks, Momoh reflected on the significance of African Liberation Day, which marks the founding of the Organisation of African Unity, now the African Union, and emphasized the importance of history and culture in shaping identity, transformation, and empowerment. He noted that through continuous engagements led by the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs and its agencies, young people are being encouraged to appreciate Sierra Leone’s cultural heritage, gastronomy, and historical landscapes. The celebration also echoed the Ministry’s broader message for African Liberation Day, championed by Minister Nabeela Farida Tunis, which calls on Africans to embrace their identity, creativity, and cultural pride as instruments for unity and national development.

MTCA Communications

25/05/2026

“African Liberation Day reminds us to honour the resilience, identity, and spirit of our people who fought for freedom and self-determination,” says Nabeela F. Tunis as she celebrates Africa’s rich culture, unity, and heritage.

Happy African Liberation Day!

21/05/2026

Tourism Ministry Showcases Sierra Leone’s Culinary Heritage at Mining Week 2026

20th May, 2026

The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs made a vibrant impression at the ongoing Sierra Leone Mining Week 2026 by proudly showcasing Sierra Leone’s rich culinary heritage through the presentation of the country’s iconic Jollof rice. Held at the Freetown International Conference Centre, the event brought together government officials, private sector representatives, development partners, and international participants, providing a unique platform to promote Sierra Leone’s culture and tourism alongside discussions on the mining sector. The culinary showcase also formed part of preparations as Sierra Leone gears up to host the 3rd UN Tourism Regional Gastronomy Forum for Africa, further positioning the country as a leading destination for cultural and culinary tourism on the continent.

Participants at the conference enthusiastically enjoyed the flavorful delicacy, with the Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, joining guests in tasting the beloved national dish. The showcase underscored the important role food plays in promoting Sierra Leone’s cultural identity, strengthening tourism visibility, and creating memorable experiences for visitors. The tourism ambiance created at the venue further reflected the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to position culture and creativity at the center of national development.

Speaking during the engagement, the Vice President applauded the leadership and drive of Nabeela Tunis in advancing the tourism sector during the Year of Culture and Creativity. He commended the Ministry for its commitment to showcasing Sierra Leone’s cultural richness and praised the delicious local delicacies served at the event. Other government officials and private sector stakeholders also lauded the Ministry for creating an atmosphere that beautifully projected Sierra Leone’s tourism potential and cultural pride.

MTCA Communications

20/05/2026

Incredible JJ has been nothing short of an amazing host who has not only welcomed but exposed and introduced his big brother JZyNo to his powerful network in the motherland.

Yesterday, he took him to the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs who warmly received the Liberian superstar and did her very first ever tik tok video to their song Crush in EP.

JJ is not only respected in the entertainment space but in high places.

20/05/2026