By Emma Black
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), on October 29, 2025, has announced three groundbreaking eco-tourism investment opportunities that require zero capital investment from operators.
The announcement comes ahead of an exclusive international investment webinar scheduled for Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 1:00 PM GMT, where global and local investors will be invited to bid for operations-only lease contracts on three fully developed, investment-ready tourism sites.
This initiative represents a first-of-its-kind model in West Africa, where the government has already completed all core infrastructure and essential fit-out, removing traditional financial barriers for private sector operators.
A premier surf and leisure hub on one of West Africa’s most iconic beaches, Bureh Beach features completed core infrastructure including a surf club, jetty, boardwalk, and market sheds. Operators will focus on daily management and service delivery to elevate it into a top regional destination.
Offering 270 panoramic views over Freetown and the Atlantic Ocean from 564 meters above sea level, this landmark site boasts a 2.5 km paved access road, eco-friendly parking, and a 1,700 sqm viewing platform. It presents a rare opportunity to manage one of Sierra Leone’s most breathtaking tourist attractions.
Located adjacent to the world-renowned Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, this eco-education and conservation facility is positioned to become West Africa’s leading conservation tourism hub. With construction complete, it is ready for operational management and programming.Hon. Nabeela Tunis, Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, highlighted the transformative vision behind the initiative:
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. We have fully de-risked these projects by completing all strategic infrastructure investment. Now, we invite the best private sector partners to join us in building a sustainable and profitable tourism future for Sierra Leone through operational excellence.”
The $0 Capital Investment Model means all infrastructure, roads, utilities, and equipment have been pre-funded by the Government of Sierra Leone and the World Bank. This allows operators to focus solely on management, service delivery, and revenue generation, with immediate potential for profitability.
Mohammed Jalloh, Director of Tourism, emphasized the appeal to investors, these projects eliminate the traditional financial barriers to entry. With no upfront capital required and a robust incentive package, the opportunities are uniquely low-risk and high-return. We are confident this will attract serious international interest.
The MTCA leads Sierra Leone’s tourism strategy, promoting sustainable development, cultural preservation, and economic empowerment through heritage and eco-tourism A World Bank–funded initiative designed to boost private sector participation in Sierra Leone’s key growth sectors, including tourism, agriculture, and fisheries.
Sierra Leone’s primary investment facilitation agency, providing a one-stop center for investors and promoting a transparent, business-friendly environment.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, 5th Noverber 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
