Sierra Leone has officially declared 2026 as the Year of Culture and Creativity, building on the momentum of its 2025 Year of Ecotourism and signalling a renewed national focus on cultural identity, creative enterprise and inclusive economic growth.
The announcement was made on 29 December 2025 by the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Farida Tunis, in a social media post that underscored the government’s long-term vision for sustainable tourism and national development.
Throughout 2025, Sierra Leone pursued an ambitious Year of Ecotourism campaign, spearheaded by the Ministry of Tourism, aimed at promoting responsible travel, safeguarding natural resources and expanding economic opportunities through eco-friendly experiences. The initiative also placed strong emphasis on community participation and the preservation of cultural and natural heritage.
Following the year-long ecotourism drive, the declaration of 2026 as the Year of Culture and Creativity marks a strategic shift towards harnessing the country’s rich cultural assets and creative industries as engines for unity and growth.
Announcing the new theme, Minister Tunis said that under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio, the declaration represents “a powerful national statement of who we are as a people,” defined by resilience, innovation and deep-rooted cultural diversity.
According to the Minister, the Year of Culture and Creativity will affirm culture and creativity as central to national cohesion, peace and inclusive economic growth, recognising the vital role of Sierra Leone’s traditions, languages, music, arts and creative skills in shaping the country’s future.
She further called on Sierra Leoneans at home and abroad, as well as international partners and friends of the country, to actively participate in the year-long initiative by unlocking new opportunities, restoring dignity and creating sustainable livelihoods for both present and future generations.
The declaration, she noted, aligns with national development priorities as well as global frameworks on culture, sustainability and partnership, reinforcing Sierra Leone’s commitment to people-centred development and responsible tourism.
Emphasising collective responsibility, Minister Tunis stressed that the Year of Culture and Creativity “belongs to everyone,” reiterating that tourism and cultural development are shared national endeavours.
