Sierra Leone's Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Farida Tunis, led a delegation to the 9th World Investment Forum in Doha, Qatar, where the country showcased its growing tourism sector and investment potential. The forum, organised by the State of Qatar and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), brought together over 6,000 global leaders, ministers, investors, and business executives. Discussions focused on attracting foreign direct investment, strengthening climate resilience, and expanding access to sustainable finance.
According to UNCTAD's World Investment Report 2026, global foreign direct investment increased by six per cent to approximately US$1.6 trillion in 2025. However, more than 80 per cent of the investment was concentrated in the world's 20 largest economies, highlighting the challenges developing countries face in attracting international capital. This concentration of investment underscores the need for developing countries to promote their investment potential and create opportunities for economic growth.
Minister Tunis emphasised the broader economic and social benefits of tourism, including its potential to support local livelihoods and national development. She highlighted Sierra Leone's tourism initiatives, including the Tourism for All Campaign in 2024, the Year of Ecotourism in 2025, and the Year of Culture and Creativity in 2026. These initiatives aim to promote inclusive participation in the tourism and creative industries and ensure that local communities benefit from the sector's growth.
Minister Tunis also called for tailored financing mechanisms to support local artists and creative entrepreneurs, particularly women, through partnerships with financial institutions and private investors. She invited international investors and trade delegates to upcoming events in Sierra Leone, including the West Africa Integration and Investment Summit, the One Nation Reggae Festival, and the UN Tourism Africa Gastronomy Forum. These events provide opportunities for investors to explore partnerships and support economic diversification and sustainable development.
Sierra Leone's participation in the forum provided an opportunity to promote its tourism and investment potential, engage prospective investors, and explore partnerships to support economic diversification and sustainable development. The country's delegation showcased its sustainable tourism and cultural heritage as potential drivers of economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development. This participation demonstrates Sierra Leone's commitment to attracting foreign investment and promoting its tourism sector.
The 9th World Investment Forum provided a platform for global leaders, ministers, investors, and business executives to discuss investment opportunities and challenges. The forum's focus on sustainable development, climate resilience, and access to finance highlights the importance of responsible investment practices. Sierra Leone's participation in the forum reflects its efforts to align with international best practices and promote sustainable development.
The country's tourism sector is expected to benefit from the investment opportunities and partnerships explored during the forum. With a growing focus on sustainable tourism and cultural heritage, Sierra Leone is well-positioned to attract foreign investment and promote economic growth. The government's initiatives to promote inclusive participation in the tourism and creative industries are expected to have a positive impact on local communities and the national economy.
Key points
- Sierra Leone showcases its investment potential and growing tourism sector at the 9th World Investment Forum in Doha, Qatar.
- Minister Tunis emphasises the broader economic and social benefits of tourism, including its potential to support local livelihoods and national development.
- The country invites international investors and trade delegates to upcoming events, including the West Africa Integration and Investment Summit and the UN Tourism Africa Gastronomy Forum.
