Minister Tunis Explores Tourism and Aviation Investment Opportunities at Doha Forum
Sia Lucy Kannah Sierra Leone showcased its investment potential and growing tourism sector at the 9th World Investment Forum in Doha, Qatar, highlighting sustainable tourism and cultural heritage as potential drivers of economic growth, job creation and sustainable development.
The delegation, led by the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Farida Tunis, joined more than 6,000 global leaders, ministers, investors and business executives at the forum, organised by the State of Qatar in partnership with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
Discussions focused on attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), strengthening climate resilience, harnessing artificial intelligence and expanding access to sustainable finance.
According to UNCTAD’s World Investment Report 2026, global FDI increased by six per cent to approximately US$1.6 trillion in 2025. However, more than 80 per cent of the investment was concentrated in the world’s 20 largest economies, highlighting the challenges developing countries face in attracting international capital.
Speaking during a high-level panel titled “Investing in the Future of Tourism and Culture,” Minister Tunis emphasised the broader economic and social benefits of tourism, including its potential to support local livelihoods and national development.
She highlighted Sierra Leone’s 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. She said the initiatives were intended to promote inclusive participation in the tourism and creative industries and ensure that local communities benefit from the sector’s growth.
Minister Tunis also called for tailored financing mechanisms to support local artists and creative entrepreneurs, particularly women, through partnerships with financial institutions and private investors.
She invited international investors and trade delegates to upcoming 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 forum provided an opportunity to promote its tourism and investment potential, engage prospective investors and explore partnerships to support economic diversification and sustainable development.