In a year marked by significant milestones for Sierra Leoneβs tourism sector, Fatmata Mida Carew stands out as a transformative leader whose work continues to elevate the nation on the global stage. On September 15, 2025, Carew added another prestigious accolade to her growing list of accolades, affirming her status as a powerhouse in Travel and Tourism leadership.
Top 100 Travel and Tourism Personality of the Year (Nigeria, AKWAABA Tourism Fair, Lagos) Carewβs influence was celebrated at this yearβs AKWAABA Tourism Fair, where she was named among the top 100 travel and tourism personalities. The award underscored her impact not only within Sierra Leone but across West Africa, highlighting her strategic vision and ability to position nations as compelling tourism destinations.
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Earlier in the year, Carew was recognized as one of Sierra Leoneβs most influential women in the βKids Advocacy Most 50 Influential Womenβ list. This accolade reflected her commitment to societal impact beyond tourismβemphasizing leadership, advocacy, and community empowerment.
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These honors come on the heels of a milestone that resonates with the broader publicβtwo decades of dedicated service in Sierra Leoneβs tourism sector. Fatmata has consistently demonstrated that strong management, smart leadership, and a clear, compelling narrative for the country can drive meaningful, sustainable results.
As the team lead at Sierra Leoneβs National Tourism Board, Carew has been at the forefront of developing and promoting Sierra Leone as a premier travel destination.
Just before the recent AKWAABA announcement, Carew delivered a holistic country presentation that captivated hundreds of attendees. The presentation highlighted Sierra Leoneβs diverse offerings, investment opportunities, and collaborative prospects for international partners. It demonstrated her ability to distill complex assets into a compelling, actionable message
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Over 20 years, Carew has shown steadfast commitment, courage, and resilience. She has nurtured talent, built organizational capacity, and fostered public-private partnerships that position Sierra Leoneβs tourism sector for sustainable growth.
