The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs has officially launched the One Nation Reggae Festival Creative Clinic Report at its headquarters in Freetown.
The report was developed following the Creative Clinic held on 27 November 2025, which served as a strategic platform bringing together cultural custodians, creatives, policymakers, academics, youth leaders, and diaspora representatives. The discussions focused on strengthening Sierra Leone’s cultural, creative, and tourism sectors. The clinic was facilitated by Betts Firm Consult.
Chair of the event and Communications Specialist, Emmanuel Turay, described the launch as a significant milestone in the promotion and development of Sierra Leone’s creative economy.
In her welcome address, the Senior Permanent Secretary, Judith C. Jones, emphasized the importance of the Creative Clinic in positioning culture and creativity as tools for tourism promotion, youth empowerment, and economic growth. She also highlighted the success of the One Nation Reggae Festival as an emerging cultural tourism platform gaining international recognition for Sierra Leone.
Speaking at the launch, the facilitator of the Creative Clinic, Binta Akibo-Betts, commended the Ministry for its partnership and stressed that culture is not only a form of entertainment or heritage but also a vital economic and development asset. Francis Momoh also underscored the challenges and opportunities within the creative sector, noting that with the right support and investment, it can become a major driver of national development and youth empowerment.
Officially launching the report, the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Farida Tunis, stated that the Ministry’s focus on young people is driven by sustainability and nation-building goals. She noted that initiatives such as Tourism for All, the Year of Ecotourism, and the Year of Culture and Creativity are helping to strengthen national identity and enhance tourism development ahead of the upcoming International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism.
The event also featured a tourism and culture quiz for pupils and concluded with the presentation of cash prizes to winners of the Troupe Beat Competition. Awards were presented by the Director of Culture, Creativity and Innovation, Foday Jalloh, the Director of Tourism, Travel and Exchange, Mohamed Jalloh, and the Permanent Secretary, Judith C. Jones.