A team of subject-specific experts assembled by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) met with President Dr. Julius Maada Bio at State House in Freetown on Thursday, August 1, 2024, to discuss perspectives and strategic directions in the ongoing fight against corruption in Sierra Leone.
The initiative represents a robust public-private partnership aimed at confronting graft, a significant impediment to development across the country. The strategy aims to build an ethical, accountable nation with zero tolerance for corruption, promoting integrity, transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.
ACC Commissioner Francis Ben Keifala Esq, while introducing the team, emphasized the importance of the President’s insights for shaping the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) 2023-2027.
“We are here to have a conversation with His Excellency on his perspective on the fight against corruption in the country. His guidance and direction will be invaluable to the expert consultants,” said Commissioner Keifala. He highlighted that the team was dedicated to creating a strategy that embodied the views and contributions of all citizens on how to combat graft effectively.
Umaru Fofana, chairman of the team of experts, informed President Bio that they had been working since their formation in 2023. He said they had also traveled extensively across the country, engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, including ordinary citizens, political parties, and state institutions.
Fofana noted that their discussions focused on the government’s five big priorities and the public’s perspectives on corruption. “We are here to listen to your perspectives on how we can fight corruption more efficiently as a nation,” Fofana stated, acknowledging the persistent nature of corruption despite numerous efforts to curb it.
In response, President Bio expressed gratitude for the team’s dedication, acknowledging the complexities of fighting corruption. He emphasized that human tendencies to exploit public funds make the fight challenging and stressed the importance of legal constraints to curb such tendencies.
Highlighting the risks corruption poses to national security and development sectors such as health, education, and agriculture, President Bio underscored the need for national acceptance of the anti-corruption fight. He called for more proactive measures, including punitive actions, effective institutional arrangements, audits, and preventive strategies.
He also urged the ACC and expert consultants to consider technological solutions like blockchain and a cashless society to reduce human interference and enhance transparency in the fight against corruption.
Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, Chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Decentralization and Local Governance, presided over a pivotal joint meeting with the Bo Municipality and District Council on Friday, August 2, 2024. The session centered on identifying opportunities and addressing challenges to advance the implementation of the “Big Five Game Changers,” with a particular focus on President Julius Maada Bio’s Feed Salone initiative, which seeks to enhance food security and agricultural development nationwide.
“In my capacity as Chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Decentralization and Local Governance, I presided over a joint Bo municipality and district council meeting to discuss the opportunities and challenges in order to support the implementation of the Big Five Game Changers , particularly the Feed Salone initiative. Thank you, Mayor Kobba and Chairman Hindowa, for your excellent ideas,” stated Vice President Jalloh.
During the meeting, Vice President Jalloh underscored the crucial role of local governance in achieving national goals and praised the collaborative spirit among the participants. He acknowledged the significant contributions of Bo Mayor, Harold Kobba and District Council Chairman ,Moses Hindowa, highlighting their innovative ideas and unwavering commitment to local development. Their input is deemed essential for the successful rollout of the Feed Salone initiative, a cornerstone of the Government’s broader development strategy.
The session provided a platform for discussing actionable strategies to overcome existing challenges and capitalize on opportunities within local governance. Vice President Jalloh reiterated the Government’s dedication to decentralization as a means to empower local communities, enhance service delivery and ensure sustainable development.
The collaborative efforts between the Bo Municipality and District Council are expected to play a pivotal role in propelling the Feed Salone initiative forward, contributing significantly to the socio-economic growth of Sierra Leone.
The National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) is issuing securitized, multi-purpose biometric identity cards to both citizens and non-citizens across Sierra Leone. This rolling out, obtainable at NCRA offices and designated centers nationwide, aims to enhance the country’s security infrastructure and streamline access to public services.
The new National ID Card serves as a legal identity document for all residents of Sierra Leone, featuring a unique National Identification Number (NIN) for heightened security. Individuals aged 12 and above are encouraged to apply for their National ID Card at the nearest NCRA office and designated centres.
These biometric ID cards utilize cutting-edge identification technology, including fingerprints, retinal and iris scans, voice recognition, facial patterns and gait analysis. The unique, non-replicable NIN codes embedded in the cards ensure that each Sierra Leonean resident is distinctly identifiable, significantly bolstering personal security and public safety.
The NCRA is urging all eligible individuals to obtain their biometric ID cards to facilitate access to essential services. The NIN is now a prerequisite for a wide range of services, including primary education, public examinations and banking services. This measure is expected to improve the efficiency and reliability of service delivery nationwide.
The biometric ID card is required at all checkpoints within the country, making it essential for travelers. Additionally, these cards play a critical role in legal transactions, further ensuring security and accountability.
There are varying ID Cards as such:
National Identity Cards: For Sierra Leonean citizens aged 12 and above.
ECOWAS ID Cards: Available upon request for Sierra Leonean and ECOWAS citizens.
Non-National ID Cards: Mandatory for all foreign residents in Sierra Leone, required for processing work and residence permits.
To facilitate the application process, the NCRA has established several offices and designated centers throughout the country. Applicants can visit the following locations to obtain their ID cards:
– NCRA Office: Waterloo along the Freetown Highway (opposite the Police Station)
– Regional Headquarters: Bo, Kenema, Makeni, and Port Loko
The NCRA also provides corporate services for organizations and institutions, streamlining the process for large groups to acquire their ID cards. For more information, individuals can contact the NCRA at +232-33-433-333, +232-30-500-000, +232-78-221-812, or via email at idverification@ncra.gov.
This initiative of rolling out the Biometric ID Cards aligns with the Government’s commitment to fostering a secure and accessible environment for all residents, ensuring that Sierra Leone continues to develop as a nation.
NP-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) stands as a sterling example of indigenous success, showcasing resilience and growth amid various challenges. Celebrated by many citizens, NP-SL Ltd has proven its robustness over time, continually elevating its operations and services.
Founded by 35 visionary Sierra Leoneans, NP-SL Ltd has evolved into a powerhouse within the national and West African business arenas. The company’s success is attributed to its adept shareholders and managerial teams, who have consistently introduced innovative ideas and initiatives. Their strategic decisions have propelled NP-SL Ltd to new heights, ensuring sustained growth and customer satisfaction.
Central to NP-SL Ltd’s achievements is its unwavering commitment to exceptional customer care. The company prioritizes customer needs, providing attentive and efficient services across the country. By actively listening to customers’ feedback and addressing concerns promptly, NP-SL Ltd has built a strong and loyal customer base.
Recognizing the importance of expansion, NP-SL Ltd has successfully established branches in Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia. These branches are thriving, contributing to job creation and poverty reduction in these regions. NP-SL Ltd’s presence in these countries underscores its commitment to regional development and economic growth.
In the quest for innovation, NP-SL Ltd introduced the NP Energy Pass, a smart card designed to facilitate a cashless flow of petroleum products nationwide. This high-security card ensures customer information protection and provides instant SMS notifications for every transaction. Users can easily recharge their cards at designated stations and the Head Office. The card’s features, including transaction reversals and an OTP reset option, offer unparalleled convenience.
The NP Energy Pass is accepted at multiple stations, such as NP Cotton Tree, NP Campbell Street and NP Brookfields. This initiative, part of the “FUBU” (For Us, By Us) drive, is steering Sierra Leone towards a cashless economy, enabling customers to fuel their vehicles independently while receiving real-time transaction updates.
NP-SL Ltd’s dedication to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) significantly impacts national development. The company has created jobs, ensured timely tax payments to the Government and executed impactful CSR projects that enhance living standards. By adhering to the Local Content Policy, NP-SL Ltd prioritizes employing Sierra Leoneans, reducing poverty and fostering local talent through various training programs.
Thanks to the proactive measures and strategic procurement initiatives by NP-SL Ltd’s Board of Directors and Management, Sierra Leone has not experienced fuel shortages recently. This consistent supply meets public consumption needs, solidifying the company’s reputation as “1st For Customer Care.”
NP-SL Ltd’s success extends beyond Sierra Leone. Its operations in Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast, and The Gambia continue to excel in service delivery and tax contributions. The company’s introduction of NP Gas for cooking purposes has been widely applauded. NP Gas, available in various cylinder sizes, is safe, efficient and environmentally friendly. Customers can refill NP Gas at all major Filling Stations, making it a convenient choice.
NP-SL Ltd remains a symbol of indigenous entrepreneurship in Sierra Leone, wholly owned by Sierra Leoneans. By giving employment preference to locals and embracing innovative practices, the company sets a high benchmark in the petroleum industry, benefiting Sierra Leone and the surrounding region.
In a strategic move on June 21, 2024, NP-SL Ltd launched two Mobile Filling Stations at Lumley Police Station and Ross Road Police Station, alongside four calibrated tanks and dispensers at the regional headquarters of the Sierra Leone Police (SLP). This initiative reinforces a partnership spanning over three decades and enhances the operational efficiency of the police.
The company’s expansion into underserved areas has improved access to petroleum products, created job opportunities and reduced transportation costs. NP-SL Ltd’s Filling Stations are now ubiquitous across the country, addressing energy poverty and contributing to community development.
Through its proactive expansion and adherence to its founding mission, NP-SL Ltd has established itself as a forward-thinking company dedicated to quality service, safety, community support, and innovation. The company remains a model of customer care and satisfaction in Sierra Leone’s business environment, inspiring budding entrepreneurs and contributing significantly to the country’s overall development.
For the first time in the history the now Faculty of Communications, Information and Media Studies, excelled in this year’s Inter-Departmental Debate, Public Speaking and Essay Competition, bagging home the Debate and Public Speaking Trophies respectively on a Friday night 2nd August, 2024 at the Multi-Purpose Hall on Fourah Bay College.
The Competition, organized by the Sierra Leone Debating Council-Fourah Bay College on Friday, was highly competitive, bringing together at least ten departments and faculties to showcase their prowess in debate, public speaking and Essay writing.
Mass Communication-FBC defeated the defending Champions, the Faculty of Law in the Finals with an outstanding performance that left the judges and audiences impressed.
As Mass Communications wrote history on the shores of FBC, it’s already settled among students that the faculty has always been among the best faculties on campus, producing the best students for the corporate world.
The Best Debater, Mohamed Dauda Kamara, a final year Hons Two student of Mass Communications, described the victory as a ‘dream-come-true.’
“I’ve waited for this moment, I’ve prayed for this and it finally happened. What a way to say goodbye to my Faculty. It’s the best that has ever happened to me. It proved that we are the best on campus. This victory was completed by teammate, Abdurahman Chernor Jalloh, who supported me with his expertise in debate. He is a complete team-player,” he said.
The Best Public Speaker, Idrissa Kapio Bangura, pulled out a mind-blowing performance in a one-on-one final with a participant of Genders Department, Esther A.A Shaka, who took the second position. He said, “I used the Mic to write my name in the history books of our Faculty.”
In the Essay Competition, Mass Com-FBC, took the second position with a 1% margin behind Winner, Sulaiman Bonnie of the Faculty of Law.
The Coach, Andrew Chokpelleh, a final year Hons Two student, achieved a remarkable feat with the team, stating his job is fully completed.
“Aside from the fact that I’ve been an experienced public speaker, writer and debater, Friday just like other days, added to my hall of fame. What a beautiful way to end my story at the only private school on the shores of Aureole,” he said.
In Commemorating World Breastfeeding Week, which is celebrated from August 1-7, focusing on addressing inequalities in breastfeeding support and prevalence, highlighting the importance of breastfeeding as an equalizer in society, the Directorate of Food and Nutrition at the Ministry of Health has on Wednesday 31st July, 2024 joined the world to commemorate World Breastfeeding Week on the global theme: “Closing the Gap – Breastfeeding Support for All.” The celebration, which brought together key stakeholders, was held at the Atlantic Lumley Hotel in Freetown.
In her presentation, Aminata Shamit Koroma, Chief Nutritionist and Director at the Ministry of Health’s Directorate of Food and Nutrition, said the event aimed to inform the public about these disparities, engage stakeholders and galvanize action to support vulnerable groups in their breastfeeding journeys.
She emphasized the unique and empowering experience of breastfeeding for mothers and children, sharing the Directorate’s vision for a healthy, well-nourished population. She highlighted the current nutrition situation in Sierra Leone, noting a general decrease in child malnutrition, though challenges remain with stunting and acute malnutrition among children under five.
She detailed the high rates of breastfeeding initiation and exclusivity achieved in Sierra Leone, noting that the country has met the 2030 World Health Assembly target of an exclusive breastfeeding rate of at least 50%. However, stressing the need for continued efforts to reach the Government’s target of a 75% exclusive breastfeeding rate by 2030.
The presentation also highlighted key achievements, including the roll-out of the Breast Milk Substitute (BMS) Act to policymakers and health professionals, the national implementation of the Stronger with Breastmilk Only (SWBO) initiative, and the strengthening of Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative facilities. Additionally, the Directorate revised national complementary food recipes for children aged 6-23 months and conducted nationwide food and cooking demonstrations.
Aminata Shamit Koroma provided several recommendations to enhance optimal nutrition for infants and young children. She called for strengthening multi-sectoral partnerships to reduce malnutrition, scaling up the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative in all districts and conducting robust media sensitization on optimal infant and young child feeding. She also emphasized the importance of implementing, monitoring, and evaluating maternity protection provisions.
Further recommendations included supporting mothers antenatally and postnatally to plan their leave to enable exclusive and continued breastfeeding, guaranteeing the stipulated 14 weeks of maternity leave and providing breastfeeding rooms and breaks for working mothers. She also urged the implementation of the Breastmilk Substitute Act 2021 by the BMS Advisory Committee and encouraged families and communities to support sustained breastfeeding.
Aminata Shamit Koroma concluded by urging everyone to get involved in the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding, emphasizing its critical role in improving maternal and child health outcomes in Sierra Leone.
LivElin Indreiten, representing the UN Family, spoke about the fundamental rights and benefits of breastfeeding. “Breastfeeding is not only the perfect nutrition for infants but also fosters a crucial emotional bond between mother and child,” she stated. Indreiten emphasized that breastfeeding is a cornerstone of early childhood development and a vital tool in reducing social inequalities. She also highlighted the need for supportive environments, such as workplaces and communities, for breastfeeding mothers.
Indreiten noted progress in Sierra Leone’s breastfeeding rates, with an improvement of nearly 33%. However, she pointed out a recent decline, with exclusive breastfeeding rates dropping from 62% in 2017 to 53% in 2021. “Sierra Leone had previously met the global target for exclusive breastfeeding but has not achieved its national target of 70%,” she said, urging new mothers to commit to exclusive breastfeeding.
Honorable Catherine ZainabTarawally, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Health, promised that the Committee would collaborate with the Ministry of Trade to address barriers to exclusive breastfeeding, including closing businesses that obstruct breastfeeding efforts.
Mohamed Fort, Program Manager at Focus 1,000, called for continued collaboration to promote exclusive breastfeeding. He affirmed that Focus 1,000 is ready to work with the Government to advance breastfeeding practices. “Investing in breastfeeding not only enhances child health and saves lives but also contributes to human capital development,” he concluded.
In her keynote address, Manti Tarawalli, Minister of State, Office of the Vice President, called on everyone to support and encourage exclusive breastfeeding practices. “This year’s theme is a call to action for all of us to support new mothers in their breastfeeding journey,” she said. Minister Manti Tarawalli emphasized that breast milk provides all the necessary nutrients a child needs and is vital for preventing malnutrition and associated health issues.
The Minister revealed Government plans to implement a “one chain for breastfeeding support,” stressing the role of communities in promoting breastfeeding. She highlighted the critical issue of malnutrition, noting that it is often underestimated despite being a leading cause of infant mortality in Sierra Leone. “Malnourished children are significantly more susceptible to diseases, with a much higher likelihood of mortality,” she added.
Manti Tarawalli underscored the importance of breastfeeding in combating malnutrition, stunting and other health problems. “Breast milk is rich in antibodies that help infants fight viruses and bacteria and supports brain development,” she said. The Minister assured that the Ministry of Health is dedicated to promoting optimal infant feeding practices and praised the Feed Salone initiative, which aims to provide nutritious food to all pregnant women across the country.
In an effort to facilitate discussions among women regarding the importance of the “Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Care Bill” 2024 and its potential impact on maternal and reproductive health in Sierra Leone, the People’s Alliance for Reproductive Health Advocacy (PARHA), in collaboration with the Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law – Sierra Leone (CARL-SL) with support from Amplify Change, concluded a series of regional stakeholder engagement meetings on Friday, August 2, 2024.
The engagement brought together influential women, female traditional authorities, opinion leaders and health workers to garner support for the bill. The final meeting took place in Makeni City for the Northern Region, following earlier sessions in Port Loko District for the North-West Region on July 31, Kenema District for the Eastern Region on July 29 and Bo District for the Southern Region on July 30 respectively.
Presenting the “Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Care Bill” 2024, in these engagement, Jeremy Ben Simbo, Head of Programs at the Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law (CARL-SL), focused on the key elements of the bill, which aims to establish standards for safe motherhood and reproductive health care across Sierra Leone.
He informed the gatherings that the Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Care (SM&RH) Act 2024 encompasses various critical provisions, including the definition of safe motherhood, the objectives of the Act and the services to be provided. Notably, the bill includes conditions for the safe termination of pregnancy, ensuring ministerial support for vulnerable women and children and mandates confidentiality for patients’ information.
He added that PARHA is implementing an Amplify Change-funded project to strengthen national advocacy for safe and legal termination of pregnancy and improve access to sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) for vulnerable populations, particularly young girls. The project aims to increase access to safe termination of pregnancy, reduce stigma and generate political will for reforming restrictive abortion laws.
Jeremy Ben Simbo pointed out that since 2018, PARHA has collaborated with the Ministry of Health and other development partners to draft the SM&RH Bill, which seeks to decriminalize safe termination of pregnancy and ensure access to high-quality reproductive health services. The bill is currently awaiting cabinet approval for gazetting and presentation to Parliament for enactment.
He stated that the SM&RH Act addresses various aspects of sexual and reproductive health rights, promoting access to safe motherhood services and emergency care while ensuring confidentiality and non-discrimination. It sets forth a framework for protecting and advancing reproductive health rights, ultimately aiming to reduce maternal and child morbidity and mortality.
Jeremy Ben Simbo said that key components of the bill include provisions for comprehensive maternal healthcare, sexual and reproductive health education and the right to informed consent. The bill emphasizes that everyone should have access to safe motherhood services, regardless of their background, while protecting individuals from discrimination.
With the aim of ensuring dignified and respectful treatment, the Act requires healthcare providers to obtain informed consent from responsible adults in specific cases, while still safeguarding the autonomy of individuals seeking reproductive health services and that through this legislative initiative, the bill aims to foster an environment conducive to safe motherhood and improve overall reproductive health outcomes in Sierra Leone.
He concluded by discussing the various categories of women the bill provides for in terms of safe and legal termination of pregnancy. The first category includes pregnant women diagnosed with ectopic pregnancies, where medical practitioners have determined that continuing the pregnancy poses a risk to the woman’s life; with her consent, the pregnancy will be terminated.
The second category encompasses pregnant women whose pregnancies result from incest; for instance, if a father impregnates his daughter, the pregnancy will be terminated with the woman’s consent.
Finally, the bill also allows for the termination of pregnancies that result from any form of rape, again with the woman’s consent.
The women gathered at the regional stakeholder engagement meetings expressed overwhelming support for the “Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Care Bill” 2024, emphasizing its critical importance in addressing maternal and reproductive health issues in Sierra Leone. They commended the bill for its comprehensive provisions aimed at safeguarding the rights and well-being of women, particularly in cases of ectopic pregnancies, incest and rape.
Opinion leaders highlighted the bill’s potential to transform maternal healthcare in the country by promoting safe practices and reducing the stigma surrounding reproductive health issues. They stressed that timely access to reproductive health services is vital for the safety and dignity of women, urging Parliamentarians to act swiftly in enacting the bill as soon as it is presented. They expressed a unified call for lawmakers to recognize the bill as a necessity, not a luxury, in modern governance.
Health workers echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the bill’s alignment with public health goals. They expressed optimism that the bill would enhance healthcare delivery by providing clear guidelines and protections for both patients and providers.
Health workers underscored the importance of training and resources to support the implementation of the bill, advocating for an increase in awareness campaigns to educate the public about the rights and services available under the new legislation.
Deputy Chairpersons of Local Councils also lent their voices to the support for the bill, recognizing its significance in fostering community health and well-being. They emphasized the need for local leadership to champion women’s health issues and ensure that the provisions of the bill are effectively communicated and implemented within their constituencies.
They committed to collaborating with health officials to create community programs that promote safe motherhood and reproductive health education, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Deputy Mayors from the regions expressed strong endorsement for the bill, recognizing its pivotal role in improving the quality of life for women and families in their communities. They highlighted that the passage of the bill would not only enhance maternal health services but also contribute to the overall socio-economic development of their municipalities.
The Deputy Mayors stressed the importance of local governance in the implementation of the bill, promising to allocate resources and support initiatives that align with its objectives, calling upon their peers in parliament to prioritize the bill, stating that it reflects the community’s needs and aspirations for better health outcomes.
The attendees including Deputy Mayors, Deputy Chairpersons of Local Councils, collectively urged His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio to sign the bill into law once it is enacted by Parliament, recognizing that this legislative action would mark a significant step forward in advancing women’s health rights in Sierra Leone. They reaffirmed their commitment to advocating for this vital bill, emphasizing that its passage would reflect a progressive move toward a healthier and more equitable society for all women.
The Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) has announced a mandatory upgrade for all consumers using prepaid meters, effective 1st August 2024. Customers are required to purchase electricity tokens to facilitate this upgrade.
Upon purchasing the electricity token, customers will receive a 60-digit code segmented with separators every 20 digits. The code must be entered into the meter in 20-digit increments, waiting 15 seconds between each segment. Successful input will be confirmed by an indicator displaying ’02’ or ‘success’.
Notably, this 60-digit code will be issued only once per customer. The upgrade process will not be compatible with the following meter types:
– APATOR METERS
– MOMAS METERS
Customers using these non-compliant meters are advised to visit EDSA offices for meter replacements.
During the upgrade period, customers are encouraged to use telecom platforms (Q-Cell, Orange, and Africell) and aggregators such as Vendtech, Mercy Holdings, Lynx Solutions, Dycar, as well as EDSA offices, to easily procure tokens.
EDSA urges all customers to allocate 10 minutes to complete the upgrade process by the deadline of 30th October 2024 to avoid any disruption in electricity service. For assistance during the upgrade, customers can contact EDSA at 6721, via WhatsApp at 077672672, or through Facebook at [https://www.facebook.com/EDSASalone](https://www.facebook.com/EDSASalone).
It important to note that the upgrade exercise is entirely free of charge.
Mercury International, one of the country’s leading betting platforms, celebrated the conclusion of the Solar Raffle Draw by awarding prizes to the lucky winners at the New Sella Spot on Jomo Kenyatta Road in Freetown.
The grand prize, a brand new Kekeh valued at NLe 75,000, was awarded to Abu Bakarr from Kono. Other prizes included five Techno 128 GB phones, five 20,000 mAh solar power banks, five 10,000 mAh power banks and nine 16-inch solar rechargeable stand fans with LED lights were won by 19 others.
During the event, Mercury International also launched the Start of Season Raffle Draw. Despite being absent, Managing Director, Martin Edward Michael, announced via a video message that the raffle’s grand prize is a brand new Suzuki Ertiga car, with various other prizes available. The raffle runs from 1st August 2024 to 1st January 2025.
To qualify for the raffle, participants must bet on any sport with a minimum stake of NLe 25 per bet and play at least 10 bets per week. This automatically earns one raffle ticket for the grand draw on 1st January 2025. Bets using Mercury bonuses or free bets, bets with any cancelled or voided games and bets where players cash out early will not be considered valid for the raffle.
Abu Bakarr, the winner of the Kekeh said he is incredibly grateful to Mercury International for the amazing prize. He said winning the Kekeh is a life-changing moment for him and his family. Abu Bakarr stated that he never imagined he would be this fortunate and he encouraged everyone to participate in the upcoming Start of Season Raffle.
At a recent Press Conference held at the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs on Kingharman Road, the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Madam Nabeela Farida Tunis, highlighted the outcomes of their recent participation in the 67th UNWTO Regional Commission for Africa (CAF) meeting. The event brought together approximately 30 tourism Ministers and Deputy Ministers from across the continent to discuss critical issues and collaborative strategies for advancing Africa’s tourism sector.
Madam Nabeela reported that key discussions at the meeting focused on reinforcing commitment to Africa’s tourism agenda, improving connectivity across the continent and reforming visa policies to facilitate easier travel within Africa. She emphasized Sierra Leone’s efforts in these areas, noting the successful implementation of a streamlined visa system and ongoing connectivity improvements.
The Minister also detailed bilateral meetings with counterparts from Zambia and other African nations. These discussions centered on collaborative initiatives to leverage each country’s unique tourism offerings, enhance mutual tourism flow and develop exchange programs. Specific opportunities explored included joint meetings and cultural events with Zambia and Zimbabwe.
She highlighted an upcoming high-profile visit from a UN tourism official and the potential for hosting significant events, such as the third Regional Gastronomy Forum. Although an initial proposal to host an event in September was postponed, Sierra Leone remains eager to demonstrate its capacity for organizing international conferences. She stated that Sierra Leone proposed and received approval to host the third UN Tourism Gastronomy Forum in 2026, expected to significantly boost tourism arrivals.
The Minister also discussed the Women in Tourism Leadership African Committee (WiTLAQ), a Committee formed by African female Ministers focused on advancing women in the tourism sector. Sierra Leone currently chairs this Committee and will host the WiTLAQ conference in October, aiming to shape and address objectives for women in tourism across Africa.
During the conference, the Minister stated that she engaged in side meetings to discuss potential partnerships and support for Sierra Leone’s gastronomy culture. Promising discussions with the First Ladies of Zimbabwe and Angola led to invitations for further cooperation in the tourism sector.
She said they also shared the Sierra Leone “Tourism for All” campaign model, aiming to raise awareness and potentially be adapted by other countries facing similar challenges. The Minister emphasized promoting positive stories about Sierra Leone to enhance its international image and attract more tourists. She acknowledged the efforts of journalists and bloggers in this endeavor and urged their continued support.
Fatmata Carew, General Manager of the National Tourism Board (NTB), provided a comprehensive summary of the recent conference. She stated that the conference positioned Sierra Leone in a positive light, showcasing its focus on choice and gastronomy over the past five years. One primary focus was the $20 trillion global tourism market and Africa’s position within it, emphasizing the continent as complementary rather than competitive, recognizing the unique tourism offerings of each country.
The General Manager highlighted discussions around rebranding Africa to showcase its rich cultural diversity and unique tourism products, moving away from the narrative of security issues and diseases. She said the conference addressed challenges such as the lack of a skilled workforce, limited awareness of African tourism experiences and complex visa regulations. Solutions discussed included improving tourism data, enhancing security and promoting intra-African travel.
She stressed the importance of Government investment in tourism infrastructure and skills development to boost the sector. The General Manager also noted the consensus on creating a positive image of African destinations, similar to how Europe projects itself positively despite its own challenges.
She said the Ministers showed strong commitment to implementing the discussed strategies in Sierra Leone, focusing on policy changes, infrastructure development and projecting a positive image of Sierra Leone and Africa.
