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The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs has successfully launched the Second Edition of the Mini Gastronomy event in Kenema, Eastern Region, marking a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s preparations to host the UN Tourism Gastronomy Forum in 2026.
The event brought together stakeholders from the tourism sector, government officials, and local authorities to celebrate Sierra Leone’s rich culinary heritage and promote sustainable tourism. It also spotlighted the upcoming One Nation Reggae Festival, reinforcing the country’s commitment to displaying its diverse cultural expressions.
Speaking on behalf of the Resident Minister of the Eastern Region, Joseph O. Dauda expressed gratitude for Kenema’s selection as host and pledged the region’s full support. Madam Fatmata Yanka, representing the Kenema District Council Chairperson, welcomed the initiative, describing it as a catalyst for tourism-driven development and cultural exposure.
Senior officials, including Permanent Secretary Madam Judith C. Jones, Director of Tourism Mohamed Jalloh, and Director of Culture Foday Jalloh, emphasised the event’s strategic importance in advancing the Government’s Big Five agenda. They highlighted its potential to boost employment, build human capacity, and generate revenue, while commending Minister Nabeela Farida Tunis for her transformative leadership through initiatives such as Tourism for All, Women in Tourism, Year of Ecotourism, and the UN Gastronomy Campaign.
Delivering her keynote, Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs Nabeela Farida Tunis thanked her Ministry’s staff, subverted agencies, the Chef Association, and the people of Kenema for their collaboration. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a private sector-led tourism industry and officially launched the Mini Gastronomy Second Edition, calling it a pivotal step toward hosting the 2026 UN Tourism Gastronomy Forum.
The event culminated in a vibrant food-tasting exhibition, where chefs from the Eastern Region presented traditional Sierra Leonean dishes, explaining their ingredients, nutritional value, and cultural significance. The showcase reinforced the role of local cuisine in tourism development and cultural pride.
Closing the ceremony, National Tourist Board General Manager Madam Fatmata Mida Carew praised the collaborative spirit of the event and affirmed its success as a strong foundation for Sierra Leone’s global tourism ambitions.
