By: Mamajah Jalloh
The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs has reported a 50% increase in international tourist arrivals between 2022 and 2025, as the sector outlines new plans to strengthen Sierra Leone’s position as a competitive tourism destination in West Africa.
Director of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Mohamed Jalloh, disclosed this during the 2027 Budget presentation, where he outlined major achievements in the tourism sector and plans for further investment and development.
Jalloh said Sierra Leone has secured its first UNESCO World Heritage designation, describing the development as an important milestone for attracting international visitors and investment to the country’s tourism sector.
He also disclosed that the National Tourism Strategic Plan has been completed and will identify critical success factors for the sector. He said the Ministry of Finance would play an important role in implementing the plan, particularly by helping to make Sierra Leone a more cost-competitive destination within the sub-region.
The Director highlighted several ongoing and completed tourism projects, including the commissioning of the Leicester Peak Viewpoint, where a service provider has invested in improving the facility.
He said the Tacugama project is more than 20% complete, while restoration work is ongoing at Bunce Island in partnership with a university. A management plan for the island has also been developed.
According to Jalloh, the Old Fourah Bay College is being restored by the World Monuments Fund, while investments are continuing at Wara Wara, Tiwai and Banana Island. He noted, however, that an ecolodge at Wara Wara was recently destroyed by fire, with the matter reported to the police.
Jalloh said the Ministry has also prioritized community development around tourism sites by providing water, sanitation and other basic facilities, including toilets and boreholes.
He noted that the Budapest Mamaka event attracted nearly 1,500 international visitors to Sierra Leone this year, generating economic activity for businesses within the tourism and hospitality sector.
The Director further disclosed that about 19,000 formal jobs were created in the hospitality sector last year, adding that the creative and entertainment industries could increase the figure to more than 50,000.
Jalloh also announced the launch of Sierra Leone’s first AI-powered travel planner, which allows prospective visitors to search for destinations, attractions and accommodation based on their interests.
He said the digital innovation, combined with improved marketing, could contribute to a 20–50% increase in tourist arrivals in the coming years.
The Director said the tourism sector continues to generate revenue for government, with government-owned hotels contributing nearly US$500,000 in 2025/2026. He also identified the 2% National Insurance Levy and 50% Goods and Services Tax as significant revenue streams.
However, he appealed to the Ministry of Finance to allow tourism-related revenue to be reinvested in the sector, as provided for under the Finance Act 2023.
He said other revenue sources include land development fees, licences, and gaming and betting commissions.
Despite the reported growth, Jalloh said the sector faces budgetary constraints. He disclosed that the approved tourism budget for 2026 was Le12 million, representing a 47% reduction from the Le22.6 million approved in 2025.
For 2027, he said the Ministry is requesting Le45, 490,925, comprising Le8, 779,500 in recurrent expenditure and an additional Le36, 711,425 above the current expenditure ceiling.
Jalloh said the sector remains optimistic, noting that international tourist arrivals had already increased by 20% by October 2026, with the peak tourism season approaching.
He said the growing leisure and holiday segment was particularly encouraging, as visitors in that category tend to spend more time and money in Sierra Leone.
“Thanks to the leadership of the Ministry and the hard work of our staff, when you Google Sierra Leone now, you only see positive things,” Jalloh said.