Sierra Leone to Begin Major Restoration Works at Historic Bunce Island

The Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Farida Tunis, will officially launch the engineering groundbreaking ceremony for conservation and restoration work at the historic Bunce Island Slave Fort on Tuesday, November 10, 2026. This ceremony marks the start of a major initiative to preserve one of Sierra Leone’s most important heritage landmarks. The site continues to attract historians, researchers, members of the African diaspora and tourists from across the world interested in understanding the history and legacy of the slave trade.

The planned engineering works are expected to improve structural integrity while supporting the fort’s broader conservation efforts to protect its historical authenticity and cultural value. The initiative is also expected to strengthen Sierra Leone’s position as a leading heritage tourism destination in West Africa. According to officials of the Monuments and Relics Commission, the project aligns with national priorities to preserve cultural heritage while creating opportunities for education, research, tourism development and community engagement.

Bunce Island remains an important resource for promoting historical awareness and fostering a deeper appreciation of Sierra Leone’s contribution to global history. The site serves as a symbol of remembrance, education and cultural identity. The groundbreaking ceremony is expected to bring together government representatives, heritage experts, tourism practitioners, development partners and community leaders, who view the initiative as a timely intervention to ensure the long-term protection and promotion of the historic site.

Beyond conservation, the project is expected to enhance the visitor experience, attract increased interest in Sierra Leone’s heritage attractions and generate wider socio-economic benefits through tourism activities, cultural education and international recognition. The commencement of the restoration and conservation works is expected to demonstrate Sierra Leone’s commitment to preserving its historical heritage, celebrating its past and strengthening national identity through the protection of significant cultural landmarks.

The project is ultimately expected to ensure that Bunce Island Slave Fort continues to educate, inspire and connect people from across the world for generations to come. The restoration and conservation works will also provide opportunities for education, research and community engagement. Officials believe that the project will have a positive impact on the local community and contribute to the country's economic development.

The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, through the Monuments and Relics Commission, is driving this initiative to preserve Sierra Leone’s cultural heritage. The project is a significant step towards promoting historical awareness and cultural identity. Key stakeholders are expected to attend the groundbreaking ceremony, which marks the beginning of a new era in the preservation and promotion of Sierra Leone’s historical landmarks.

Key points

• The project aims to improve the structural integrity of the Bunce Island Slave Fort while preserving its historical authenticity and cultural value.
• The initiative is expected to strengthen Sierra Leone’s position as a leading heritage tourism destination in West Africa.
• The project will promote historical awareness, cultural identity and community engagement while generating socio-economic benefits through tourism activities.