By Foday Moriba Conteh
In what has been hailed as a milestone moment for the tourism sector, Fatmata Mida Carew, the dynamic and visionary General Manager of the National Tourist Board (NTB), has been shortlisted among the Top 100 Nominees for the 2025 edition of the prestigious 50 Most Influential Sierra Leonean Women Awards.
Her nomination, code ISLW041, comes at a time when Sierra Leone’s tourism industry is experiencing a remarkable renaissance under her stewardship. A tireless advocate for sustainable tourism, cultural preservation and national branding, Fatmata Mida Carew has consistently championed policies and programs that are revitalizing the sector, boosting job creation and attracting local and international investment.
This year’s awards, now in their eighth edition, received a record-breaking 2,004 nominations, reflecting the nation’s growing recognition of female leadership across all walks of life. The shortlist, officially released on 12th May 2025, includes women who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation and impact in their respective fields. A vetting committee comprising professionals from diverse backgrounds spent three weeks carefully reviewing nominations before unveiling the top 100.
Among the distinguished list, Fatmata Mida Carew stands out not only for her managerial acumen but also for her unwavering commitment to reshaping Sierra Leone’s global image through tourism. From initiating community-based tourism projects to fostering regional partnerships and positioning Sierra Leone as a unique ecotourism destination, her influence has been both strategic and deeply transformative.
As the public voting phase kicked off on Thursday, 15th May 2025, citizens are encouraged to show their support for Fatmata Mida Carew by voting using her code, ISLW041. Each vote costs just NLe 5 and voters can cast multiple votes to increase the chances of their preferred nominee. Voting will remain open until Monday, 10th June 2025, and public votes will account for 30% of the final selection score.
The Grand Awards Ceremony is scheduled for 28th June 2025, where the final list of the Top 50 Most Influential Sierra Leonean Women will be unveiled.
Why Fatmata Mida Carew Deserves Your Vote
Under Mrs. Carew’s leadership, the National Tourist Board has:
Developed and promoted sustainable tourism policies that align with global best practices.
Boosted the visibility of Sierra Leone’s unique cultural and natural heritage.
Supported capacity-building for tourism entrepreneurs, especially women and youth.
Secured collaborative partnerships with international tourism bodies.
Positioned tourism as a vital pillar of the national economy and post-COVID recovery efforts.
Her vision is rooted in the belief that a strong tourism sector can serve as a bridge between economic growth and cultural pride—values she continues to embody in her service to the nation.
As the awards seek to honor women whose contributions have made lasting impacts on national development, Fatmata Mida Carew’s inclusion in the shortlist is both timely and well-earned. She represents not just the face of modern Sierra Leonean tourism, but a shining example of female leadership driving transformation from the front lines.
For all who believe in a prosperous, inclusive, and culturally rich Sierra Leone, voting for Fatmata Mida Carew (Code: ISLW041) is a vote for progress, innovation and the brighter future we all envision.
Let us rally behind her and ensure her incredible work continues to be recognized and celebrated on the national stage.
Vote for Mrs. Fatmata Mida Carew – ISLW041
– Voting Opens: 15th May 2025 at 12:00 AM
– Voting Closes: 10th June 2025 at 11:59 PM
– Voting Fee: NLe 5 per vote
– No voting limit – vote as many times as you wish!
For more information, follow the 50 Most Influential Sierra Leonean Women Awards on AYV Television, the official Facebook page, and other leading media outlets.
Let’s celebrate excellence. Let’s celebrate Fatmata Mida Carew.
