By: Saidu Jalloh
Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Madam Nabeela Tunis made a strong impression at the ongoing Sierra Leone Mining Week 2026 by showcasing the country’s rich culinary heritage through the presentation of Sierra Leone’s iconic Jollof rice and other traditional delicacies.
The event, held at the Freetown International Conference Centre, brought together government officials, mining-sector stakeholders, development partners, investors, diplomats, and international participants. It created a unique platform where culture, tourism, and economic development intersected.
Madam Tunis stated that the culinary exhibition formed part of the Ministry’s broader efforts to promote Sierra Leone’s cultural identity and tourism potential while engaging both local and international audiences attending the high-level mining conference. ‘Beautifully prepared local dishes, traditional displays, and a warm cultural atmosphere transformed part of the venue into a vibrant reflection of Sierra Leonean hospitality and heritage,’ she said.
Participants at the conference enthusiastically sampled the delicacies, with Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh joining guests in tasting the country’s beloved Jollof rice. His participation underscored the growing recognition of gastronomy as an important driver of tourism promotion, cultural diplomacy, and national branding.
The showcase also served as a strategic lead-up to Sierra Leone’s hosting of the 3rd UN Tourism Regional Gastronomy Forum for Africa, a major continental event expected to position the country as an emerging destination for cultural and culinary tourism.
By presenting local cuisine at a major international gathering such as Mining Week, the Ministry demonstrated how food can serve as a powerful tool for storytelling, cultural exchange, and economic opportunity.
Speaking during the engagement, Vice President Juldeh Jalloh praised the leadership and commitment of Nabeela Tunis in advancing the tourism sector during the Year of Culture and Creativity. He commended the Ministry for consistently promoting Sierra Leone’s cultural richness on both local and international platforms and praised the quality and taste of the dishes presented at the event.
“The tourism sector continues to play a vital role in showcasing the true identity of Sierra Leone,” the Vice President stated, while encouraging stronger collaboration between government institutions and the private sector to enhance the country’s image and attract more visitors and investment opportunities.
Other government officials, development partners, and private-sector representatives also applauded the Ministry for creating an atmosphere that effectively projected Sierra Leone’s tourism potential and cultural pride.
Many participants described the culinary exhibition as one of the highlights of the event, noting that it offered international guests an authentic taste of Sierra Leonean culture beyond the discussions focused on mining and economic development.
The Ministry’s participation in Mining Week 2026 further reflects its ongoing commitment to placing culture, creativity, and tourism at the center of national development while promoting Sierra Leone as a destination rich in heritage, hospitality, and unique cultural experiences.