In a year marked by significant milestones for Sierra Leone’s 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) Carew’s influence was celebrated at this year’s 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 Leone’s most influential women in the “Kids Advocacy Most 50 Influential Women” list. This accolade reflected her commitment to societal impact beyond tourism—emphasizing leadership, advocacy, and community empowerment.
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These honors come on the heels of a milestone that resonates with the broader public—two decades of dedicated service in Sierra Leone’s 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 Leone’s 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 Leone’s 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 Leone’s tourism sector for sustainable growth.
