Sierra Leone marked its 65th independence anniversary with a dynamic event titled Celebrating Sierra Leone at 65 through Gastronomy, Culture and Creativity, organized by the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, the National Tourist Board, the Monuments and Relics Commission, and private sector partners. The celebration featured live cooking sessions and food tasting that showcased traditional dishes alongside a gastronomy panel discussion exploring how local ingredients can boost sustainable tourism. Cultural performances, creative sessions, kite flying, and go-kart racing added energy and family-friendly appeal, while vendors from the cultural and creative space displayed handcrafted goods, art, and fashion.
The event transformed the venue into a living showcase of national pride, blending heritage with modernity. Attendees moved from tasting authentic flavors to watching masked devil dancers and contemporary spoken word, then to flying kites or racing go-karts. The joint effort between government agencies and private partners underscored a unified vision: that Sierra Leone’s greatest asset is its people, and that gastronomy, culture, and creativity are powerful engines for telling the nation’s own story—proud, skilled, and ready for the world at 65 and beyond.
CAPE TOWN, South Africa – Sierra Leone is set to make a bold appearance at the 2026 World Travel Market (WTM) Africa, holding in Cape Town from April 13th to 15th. Leading a high-level delegation, the National Tourist Board (NTB) is arriving with a clear mission: to position the “Salone” brand as a premier emerging destination for Eco-Tourism and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions).
Under the visionary leadership of the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Madam Nabeela Farida Tunis, Sierra Leone’s participation focuses on the transformative power of “Culture and Creativity.” The delegation aims to leverage this global trade fair to unveil the country’s vast cultural heritage and untapped tourism potential to international investors and travelers.
The strategic push at WTM Africa aligns with Minister Tunis’s ongoing commitment to sustainable tourism. By highlighting Sierra Leone’s pristine landscapes and its capacity to host world-class corporate events, the Ministry is signaling that the country is open for business and ready for the global stage.
During the three-day event, the Sierra Leonean delegation will be promoting two landmark upcoming events that underscore the country’s diversity:
1. The One Nation Reggae Festival: A celebration of music, unity, and the deep-rooted creative spirit of the Sierra Leonean people.
2. The UN Tourism Regional Gastronomy Forum for Africa (3rd Edition): A prestigious continental gathering that highlights the intersection of food, tourism, and economic development.
The General Manager of the National Tourist Board, Madam Fatmata Mida Carew, who is leading the delegation in Cape Town, will host a special Sierra Leone Cultural and Gastronomy Day on the final day of the fair, April 15th.
Visitors to the Sierra Leone pavilion will be treated to an authentic sensory experience, featuring signature local foods and traditional beverages. This showcase is designed to offer a “literal taste” of Sierra Leonean hospitality, proving that the country’s flavors are as rich and inviting as its landscapes.
As WTM Africa kicks off tomorrow, Sierra Leone stands ready to invite the world to discover its culture, its creativity, and its breathtaking natural beauty.
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.
A new spotlight on Sierra Leone’s rich culinary heritage illuminated the National Day celebration, as a WTM food expert certified the country’s gastronomy for public consumption. The high-energy showcase drew hundreds of visitors to stand S16, where traditional aromas and vibrant flavors echoed the spirit of freedom and cultural pride that defined this unique nation.
Within an hour, the queue stretched longer, signaling broad acceptance and enthusiasm for Sierra Leone’s gastronomic offerings. The dedicated team served with poise and professional know-how, dishing out hundreds of plates to a diverse audience. Menu highlights included:
Cassava leaves
Krain-Krain
Foo Foo and Sawa
Roast meat
Potato leaves
Salone Jollof and Fried rice with stew
Ginger beer
Tombe juice
The array showcased both timeless staples and regional twists, inviting attendees to explore the country’s flavors in a single, celebratory tasting experience.
Milo Jazz provided a lively soundscape, lifting the atmosphere as Sierra Leoneans and visitors mingled and savored the offerings. Members of the Sierra Leonean High Commission offered their customary warmth and support, underscoring the event’s significance as a national showcase.
This National Day celebration serves as a prelude to hosting the UNTOURISM Regional Gastronomy event in April 2026. The successful demonstration at stand S16 signals readiness to present Sierra Leone’s gastronomy to an international audience, highlighting the country’s culinary creativity, hospitality, and rich cultural heritage.
The private sector from Sierra Leone showed robust backing, contributing to the day’s success. Key supporters included:
Visit Sierra Leone
Harmony Travel and Investment
Tourism is Life
Best Travel Solution
Hello Sierra Leone Tours
Barmoi Hotel
Wusum Hotel
Mozza Resort
Air Sierra Leone
Bash apartment
Their collective involvement underscores a shared commitment to promoting Sierra Leone as a premier gastronomic destination.
The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, National Tourist Board, and the Monuments and Relics Commission led the process.
On October 23, in Kenema, Sierra Leone’s Eastern Province showcased a culinary tapestry that left attendees spellbound as the region gears up for UNTOURISM 2026. The Gastronomy Eastern Region—an initiative spanning Kenema, Kono, and Kailahun—staged a vibrant series of events designed to highlight the area’s most tastefully distinctive foods and drinks.
2026 UN Gastronomy Sierra Leone
Kenema served up a warm welcome with markets and tasting stalls that celebrated local staples, spice blends, and street-food favorites, all prepared with a modern sensibility that honors tradition.
Kono impressed guests with farm-to-table plates featuring regional ingredients, from richly spiced sauces to hearty stews that tell stories of the land and its people.
2026 UN Gastronomy Sierra Leone
Kailahun dazzled with innovative presentations of beloved dishes, showcasing the region’s rich culinary heritage while embracing contemporary flavors and presentation.
The event placed Sierra Leone’s Eastern Province at the heart of a national and international conversation about culinary heritage and tourism. UNTOURISM 2026 Readiness: By demonstrating the area’s capacity to host high-profile gastronomy events, the provinces underscored their readiness to welcome visitors in 2026 with authentic experiences. Local chefs, producers, and hospitality professionals gained exposure, forging partnerships that could boost investment, supply chains, and job opportunities.
2026 UN Gastronomy Sierra Leone
2026 UN Gastronomy Sierra Leone
As Sierra Leone prepares for UNTOURISM 2026, the Gastronomy Eastern Region stands as a beacon of collaboration and culinary excellence. The 23 October gathering in Kenema not only celebrated the flavors of the Eastern Province but also reinforced a shared commitment to sustainable tourism, community empowerment, and cultural pride.
