By Saidu Jalloh D.S
Sierra Leone has showcased its tourism and aviation investment opportunities at the 9th World Investment Forum in Doha, Qatar, in a bid to attract foreign direct investment and drive sustainable economic growth.
The Sierra Leone delegation was led by the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Farida Tunis, and joined over 6,000 global leaders, ministers, investors and business executives at the forum organized by the State of Qatar in partnership with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
The forum focused on attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), building climate resilience, harnessing artificial intelligence and expanding access to sustainable finance.
According to UNCTAD’s World Investment Report 2026, global FDI rose by six percent to about US$1.6 trillion in 2025, but more than 80 percent of the investment went to the world’s 20 largest economies, leaving developing nations struggling to attract capital.
Speaking at a high-level panel on “Investing in the Future of Tourism and Culture,” Minister Tunis highlighted tourism and culture as key drivers of job creation, economic growth and sustainable development.
She said tourism goes beyond leisure, noting its potential to support local livelihoods, empower communities and promote national development.
Minister Tunis outlined Sierra Leone’s recent 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, all aimed at promoting inclusive participation and ensuring that local communities benefit from the sector.
She called for tailored financing mechanisms to support local artists and creative entrepreneurs, particularly women, through partnerships with financial institutions and private investors.
The Minister also used the platform to invite international investors and trade delegates to upcoming major events in Sierra Leone, including the West Africa Integration and Investment Summit, the One Nation Reggae Festival and the UN Tourism Africa Gastronomy Forum.
Sierra Leone’s participation in the Doha Forum provided an opportunity to market the country’s tourism and investment potential, engage prospective investors and explore partnerships to support economic diversification and sustainable development.
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