Sierra Leone used the platform of the 9th World Investment Forum 2026 in Doha to strengthen its investment profile and promote tourism as a key driver of economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development.

Led by the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Hon. Nabeela Farida Tunis, the Sierra Leone delegation joined more than 6,000 global leaders, ministers, investors, and business executives at the summit organized by the State of Qatar in partnership with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). Discussions focused on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), climate resilience, artificial intelligence, sustainable finance, and strategies for advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

A central theme of the forum was the need to increase investment flows to developing countries. According to UNCTAD’s World Investment Report 2026, global FDI rose by six percent to approximately US$1.6 trillion in 2025. However, more than 80 percent of those investments were concentrated in the world’s 20 largest economies, underscoring the need for greater support to emerging markets and developing nations.

Speaking during a High-Level Panel Discussion on “Investing in the Future of Tourism and Culture,” Minister Tunis emphasised that tourism should be viewed as a vehicle for human dignity, livelihoods, and national development rather than simply an industry centred on luxury infrastructure. She highlighted Sierra Leone’s tourism transformation initiatives, including the Tourism for All Campaign (2024), the Year of Ecotourism (2025), and the Year of Culture and Creativity (2026), describing them as deliberate efforts to ensure inclusive participation and sustainable benefits for local communities.

The Minister also called for stronger financing mechanisms to empower local artists and creative entrepreneurs, especially women, through partnerships with financial institutions and the private sector.

On the sidelines of the forum, the Sierra Leone delegation held a series of strategic engagements with international investors and development partners. One notable meeting was held with Dr. Amir Ali Salemi Zadeh, Chief Executive Officer of JTA Holdings, who expressed interest in aviation, tourism, and hospitality investments in Sierra Leone. Discussions focused on expanding ecotourism destinations and strengthening connectivity to unlock the country’s vast tourism potential. Minister Tunis highlighted investment opportunities in Solima, Sugarland Beach, River No. 2, Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, and other designated ecotourism development zones.

Another significant engagement was with H.E. Saad bin Ali Al-Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism, during which both parties explored opportunities for enhanced tourism cooperation, knowledge exchange, capacity building, and investment promotion. The Chairman commended tourism’s role in economic diversification and offered support for training Sierra Leonean tourism professionals in digital marketing and tourism policy development.

Minister Tunis also used the forum to promote several upcoming events in Sierra Leone, including the West Africa Integration and Investment Summit, the One Nation Reggae Festival, and the forthcoming UN Tourism Africa Gastronomy Forum, inviting international partners and investors to engage with the country’s growing tourism and cultural sectors

During the visit, the Minister and her delegation paid a courtesy call on the Embassy of Sierra Leone in Doha, where they briefed diplomatic staff on ongoing efforts to position Sierra Leone as a competitive tourism destination. The delegation also presented promotional materials to support the Embassy’s destination marketing initiatives.

With the support of Sierra Leone’s diplomatic mission in Qatar, led by Ambassador Ahmed Tejan Fadlu-Deen and Head of Chancery Max Charley, the country’s participation at the World Investment Forum demonstrated the Government’s commitment to attracting investment, promoting sustainable tourism, and positioning Sierra Leone as an emerging destination for global investors seeking opportunities in Africa.

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