The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs and The World Bank-backed project invite global investors to bid on "operations-only" lease contracts for fully de-risked, investment-ready sites.
FREETOWN, Sierra Leone – October 29, 2025 – The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs (MTCA) and supported by the World Bank's Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project (SLEDP), is inviting international and local investors to an exclusive investment webinar on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 1:00 PM GMT.
The online event will formally present three flagship eco-tourism sites that are now fully investment-ready, requiring no capital investment from operators for their core infrastructure or fit-out. This unprecedented de-risking represents a unique opportunity for private sector operators to enter the West African tourism market with significantly reduced financial barriers, focusing solely on operational excellence.
Three World-Class Investment Opportunities – Operations-Only Model
- Bureh Beach Surf Club: A world-class surf and leisure hub on one of West Africa's most celebrated beaches, featuring completed core infrastructure including surf club, jetty, boardwalk, and market sheds. Operators will manage day-to-day operations.
- Leicester Peak Viewing Point: An iconic attraction offering 270° panoramic views over Freetown and the Atlantic Ocean from 564 meters above sea level. With all core infrastructure complete, including a 2.5 km paved access road, eco-friendly parking, and a 1,700 sqm viewing platform, this represents a unique operational management opportunity within the Western Area Peninsula National Park.
- Tacugama Innovation Center: A premier eco-education and conservation center adjacent to the world-renowned Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, positioned to become West Africa's leading conservation tourism destination. All infrastructure is complete and ready for operational management.
"Once known as the Athens of Africa, Sierra Leone is reclaiming its rightful place on the global stage, this time using tourism, culture and conservation as its springboard" said Hon. Nabeela Tunis, Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Government of Sierra Leone. "We have fully de-risked these projects by completing all strategic infrastructure investment; we are now inviting the best private sector partners to join us in building a sustainable and profitable tourism future for Sierra Leone through operational excellence."
Zero Capital Investment Model Creates Unprecedented Opportunity
Initial investment from the Government of Sierra Leone and the World Bank has fully covered the development of all core infrastructure and essential fit-out at these sites, including buildings, roads, utilities, and key equipment. This strategic de-risking allows private sector operators to bypass the most significant capital requirements and focus immediately on operational management and revenue generation – dramatically improving return on investment timelines and reducing entry barriers to zero for initial setup.
"These projects are exceptionally compelling. With a minimal Investment model, the primary financial barrier to entry is eliminated. Combined with our robust investor incentive packages, this creates a unique, low-risk, high-return potential for the right operators. We are confident that these operations-only opportunities will attract serious international interest" said Dr. Mohammed Jalloh, Director of Tourism.
Investment Webinar Details
- Date & Time: Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 1:00 PM GMT/ 2:00 PM CET (60 minutes)
- Format: Live virtual webinar with direct access to government officials, detailed operational models, revenue-sharing frameworks, and the official bidding process.
- Session Agenda:
- Detailed presentations of each of the three investment-ready sites.
- Overview of attractive lease and operational models.
- Government investor incentive packages and fiscal benefits.
- Investment timelines and bidding process.
- Live Q&A session with key government representatives.
Distinguished Speakers:
- Hon. Nabeela Tunis, Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Government of Sierra Leone.
- Mrs. Mary Jalloh, Project Coordinator, Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project (SLEDP).
- Dr. Edward Hinga Sandy, Executive Director, National Investment Board (NIB).
Hon. Nabeela Tunis, Mary Jalloh and Dr. Edward Hinga Sandy are key speakers for this web event.
Registration is free but required. To secure your place and access exclusive project briefs, visit: https://invest-sl.gottdata.is
This webinar represents a rare opportunity to engage directly with Sierra Leone's tourism leadership and gain first-mover access to some of West Africa's most promising eco-tourism operations. With international arrivals growing 47.4% over five years and strategic positioning as an underserved market, Sierra Leone's tourism sector offers compelling returns in an expanding regional economy.
About the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs (MTCA) The MTCA is the government body responsible for the sustainable development of Sierra Leone's tourism sector, focusing on promoting the country's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty to drive economic growth and community empowerment.
About the Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project (SLEDP) The SLEDP is a World Bank-funded initiative designed to support economic diversification in Sierra Leone by facilitating private sector investment in key growth sectors, including tourism, agriculture, and fisheries.
About the National Investment Board (NIB) The NIB is Sierra Leone's premier agency for investment promotion, established to facilitate, coordinate, and streamline the investment process, providing a one-stop-shop for investors.
Media Contact:
Thomas Sauvé, on behalf of the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs of The Republic of Sierra Leone
Email: mtca-invest@gottagency.com