Join SLEDP in celebrating Fatmata Mida Carew, Managing Director of the National Tourist Board of Sierra Leone, whose visionary leadership is helping transform tourism into a driver of economic diversification and global visibility for Sierra Leone. Discover her inspiring story and see how institutional reform and bold leadership are shaping the future of Sierra Leone’s tourism sector. Read more:
The second cohort of participants in the Budapest–Bamako–Freetown Rally has completed its entry into Sierra Leone, marking another significant milestone in the nation’s hosting of the internationally acclaimed adventure rally. The convoy, comprising 420 participants across 203 vehicles and motorbikes, entered Sierra Leone through the Gbalamuya Border Crossing before proceeding to Bureh Beach for an overnight stop designed to showcase the nation’s vibrant culture and renowned hospitality.
At Bureh Beach, rally participants were treated to an evening of cultural entertainment organised by the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, the National Tourist Board, and key partners. The programme featured live band performances, traditional cultural displays, and lively beachside festivities, creating a memorable atmosphere for the visiting teams. This event offered participants a unique introduction to Sierra Leone’s rich cultural heritage while highlighting the country’s expanding tourism potential.
Following the overnight engagement, the convoy departed Bureh Beach under escort from the Sierra Leone Police and other security personnel, continuing its journey to the capital city, Freetown. The rally concluded at the Gigibonta Car Park, where government officials, tourism stakeholders, and enthusiastic spectators gathered to welcome the teams as they completed their remarkable intercontinental expedition across Europe and Africa.
Speaking at the finish-line reception, Mohamed Jalloh, Director of the Tourism, Travel and Exchange Program, emphasised the broader significance of the rally for Sierra Leone’s global engagement.
“The Budapest–Bamako–Freetown Rally is more than a motorsport adventure; it represents a cultural bridge that connects people, promotes friendship among nations, and highlights Sierra Leone as a welcoming and exciting tourism destination,” he stated.
The rally continues to deliver meaningful benefits to Sierra Leone by strengthening the country’s international visibility, attracting global visitors, and stimulating economic activity in communities along the route. Through events such as the Budapest–Bamako–Freetown Rally, Sierra Leone is steadily positioning itself as an emerging hub for adventure tourism, cultural exchange, and international events.
The deal was finalized on the opening day of ITB Berlin, the world’s leading travel trade show. The announcement follows a high-level meeting between the Sierra Leonean delegation and the leadership of UN Tourism (formerly UNWTO), led by Madam Elsia Grancourt, the Regional Director for Africa.
The selection of Sierra Leone marks a significant milestone in the country’s “Culture and Creativity” campaign. During the deliberations, Minister Tunis and her team demonstrated a high level of preparedness, providing comprehensive responses to the technical and logistical requirements posed by the UN Tourism team.
“Sierra Leone is ready to showcase its rich culinary heritage to the world,” Minister Tunis stated. “Gastronomy is a powerful tool for cultural preservation and economic growth, and we are honored to lead this conversation for the continent in 2026.”
The UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa is a prestigious platform designed to promote the link between food, culture, and tourism. By hosting the third edition, Sierra Leone joins an elite group of African nations leading the charge in culinary diplomacy:
1st Edition: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe (July 2024)
2nd Edition: Tanzania (April 2025)
3rd Edition: Sierra Leone (December 2026)
Madam Elsia Grancourt and her team expressed confidence in Sierra Leone’s leadership, noting that the country’s proactive approach at ITB Berlin has placed it on a strong footing to deliver a world-class event.
The 2026 forum is expected to attract international chefs, tourism ministers, policy makers, and global media to Freetown, providing a massive boost to the local hospitality sector and highlighting the unique flavors of the “Lion Mountain” to the global stage.
As Sierra Leone prepares for this prestigious gathering, the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs invites stakeholders and the private sector to collaborate in making the 2026 Gastronomy Forum a historic success for the nation and the African continent.
BERLIN, Germany – In a landmark achievement for West African tourism, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Mrs. Nabeela Tunis has officially secured the hosting rights for the 3rd UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa. The event is scheduled to take place from December 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, 2026.
The deal was finalized on the opening day of ITB Berlin, the world’s leading travel trade show. The announcement follows a high-level meeting between the Sierra Leonean delegation and the leadership of UN Tourism (formerly UNWTO), led by Madam Elsia Grancourt, the Regional Director for Africa.
The selection of Sierra Leone marks a significant milestone in the country’s “Culture and Creativity” campaign. During the deliberations, Minister Tunis and her team demonstrated a high level of preparedness, providing comprehensive responses to the technical and logistical requirements posed by the UN Tourism team.
“Sierra Leone is ready to showcase its rich culinary heritage to the world,” Minister Tunis stated. “Gastronomy is a powerful tool for cultural preservation and economic growth, and we are honored to lead this conversation for the continent in 2026.”
The UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa is a prestigious platform designed to promote the link between food, culture, and tourism. By hosting the third edition, Sierra Leone joins an elite group of African nations leading the charge in culinary diplomacy:
1st Edition: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe (July 2024)
2nd Edition: Tanzania (April 2025)
3rd Edition: Sierra Leone (December 2026)
Madam Elsia Grancourt and her team expressed confidence in Sierra Leone’s leadership, noting that the country’s proactive approach at ITB Berlin has placed it on a strong footing to deliver a world-class event.
The 2026 forum is expected to attract international chefs, tourism ministers, policy makers, and global media to Freetown, providing a massive boost to the local hospitality sector and highlighting the unique flavors of the “Lion Mountain” to the global stage.
As Sierra Leone prepares for this prestigious gathering, the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs invites stakeholders and the private sector to collaborate in making the 2026 Gastronomy Forum a historic success for the nation and the African continent.
