By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Sierra Leone has officially declared 2026 as the Year of Culture and Creativity, a landmark step designed to elevate culture, heritage, and creative enterprise into the mainstream of national development. The announcement was made by Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Farida Tunis, who said the declaration reflects the country’s renewed pride in its identity, as well as the Government’s commitment to using cultural capital as a catalyst for unity, economic empowerment, and global recognition.
Speaking under the leadership and vision of President Julius Maada Bio, Minister Tunis described the Year of Culture and Creativity as “a powerful national declaration of who we are as a people, defined by resilience, innovation, and rich cultural diversity and heritage.” She emphasised that culture is not simply a social expression but a strategic asset that drives national progress.
The Ministry noted that the Year of Culture and Creativity affirms the central role of Sierra Leone’s culture in promoting peace, fostering national unity, and supporting inclusive economic growth. It also highlights the contribution of Sierra Leoneans—at home and abroad—in shaping a dynamic creative future grounded in tradition, innovation, and self-expression.
With this declaration, culture and creativity are being elevated as engines of transformation—supporting livelihoods, strengthening identity, and positioning Sierra Leone as a destination defined by both heritage and possibility. Traditional music, dance, storytelling, film, fashion, visual arts, languages, festivals, and the country’s vibrant tourism landscape are expected to receive wider national and international attention throughout 2026.
Minister Tunis stressed that the year represents a journey of renewal. She called on Sierra Leoneans, development partners, artists, entrepreneurs, civil society organisations, and the private sector to join hands in building a cultural movement capable of restoring dignity, creating jobs, and unlocking opportunities for present and future generations.
She highlighted that the Year of Culture and Creativity is especially significant for young people and women, who make up the backbone of Sierra Leone’s cultural and creative industries, yet often lack the investment, visibility, and market access needed to transform their talent into livelihoods.
The declaration is fully aligned with national development priorities outlined in government strategy frameworks and connected to global agendas on culture, sustainability, and inclusive growth.
According to the Ministry, Sierra Leone’s cultural and creative drive will be implemented in partnership with local institutions, international stakeholders, and diaspora networks, ensuring that the Year is both people-driven and globally relevant.
“This is not just a celebration—it is a national commitment,” Minister Tunis stated. She added that the initiative opens new pathways for investment opportunities, strengthens tourism competitiveness, and reinforces Sierra Leone’s image as a resilient, hospitable, and culturally vibrant nation.
In a portion of her message delivered in Krio, the Minister urged Sierra Leoneans across districts, chiefdoms, and communities to take ownership of the Year and safeguard Sierra Leone’s cultural identity.
“Leh we all kam together en hol we culture and creativity for betteh Salone. Enti una know say tourism business na all man business,” she said, reminding the public that cultural preservation, tourism promotion, and creative enterprise require national participation—not government efforts alone.
With preparations already underway, expectations are high that 2026 will energise heritage tourism, spotlight local talent, strengthen community identity, and advance the nation’s creative economy.
Stakeholders across the cultural sector have welcomed the announcement, describing it as long overdue and a bold step that places Sierra Leone among countries using culture as a tool for development, diplomacy, and global branding.
As Sierra Leone prepares to move into the Year of Culture and Creativity, citizens are being encouraged to reflect on who they are, celebrate what they have, and work collectively to shape the nation’s future—one in which culture is preserved, creativity is valued, and every Sierra Leonean feels part of the story.
