Sierra Leone Launches Creative Economy Report, Spotlighting Sector’s Role in GDP and Job Growth
The creative sector in Sierra Leone has taken a major step forward with the launch of the Creative Economy Diagnostic Report, an initiative spearheaded by Creative Hub Africa in partnership with the World Bank, European Union, C-Jet, and Finance for Development. The report, unveiled at Creative Hub Africa in Freetown, serves as a comprehensive assessment of the sector’s current landscape and future trajectory—reinforcing its critical importance to the country’s economic diversification and social development.
Backed by the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, the launch aligns with ongoing national efforts to rebrand the creative sector, nurture emerging talents, and position artists and innovators as job creators and cultural ambassadors. The event brought together policymakers, development partners, and a new generation of creatives, all united by the vision of harnessing Sierra Leone’s cultural assets for sustainable growth.
According to the new report, the creative economy already contributes approximately 4.5% to Sierra Leone’s GDP and is responsible for over 10% of all jobs in the country. These figures highlight the sector’s remarkable impact and underscore the vast, untapped potential that lies within the nation’s creative industries. The diagnostic document offers a detailed analysis of the sector’s structure, performance, and opportunities, providing a strategic roadmap for stakeholders aiming to drive innovation, investment, and inclusivity.
Hon. Nabeela Farida Tunis, Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, was both the official launcher and keynote speaker at the event. She praised not only the unveiling of the report but also celebrated the achievements of 24 young creatives who graduated from the Creatifi Pilot Program—a capacity-building initiative offering mentorship and practical training to emerging talents. Minister Tunis emphasised the government’s high regard for the creative and tourism sectors, noting their designation as pillars in both the 2019–2023 and 2024–2030 National Development Plans.
“The report clearly states that the sector contributes 4.5% to GDP and accounts for over 10% of jobs—this is extraordinary,” Minister Tunis remarked, highlighting the often-overlooked significance of creativity in national development. She reiterated the government’s commitment to revitalising the industry through policy formulation, sector rebranding, investment in infrastructure, and community engagement. Strategic partnerships were cited as essential for sustainable tourism and for unlocking sector-wide growth, particularly as Sierra Leone pursues its five key ‘game changers’ for national progress.
During a subsequent panel discussion, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Khadijatu Grace Kamara, underscored the Ministry’s ongoing support for young talent, particularly in branding and helping creatives showcase their unique products to broader markets. Such support is seen as vital for propelling Sierra Leonean artists and entrepreneurs onto the regional and global stage.
Other notable speakers, including Isatu Harrison, Creative Director of Creative Hub Africa, stressed the transformative economic impact of the creative sector. Harrison pointed to the diagnostic report as a crucial tool for helping creatives realise their full potential and for guiding investment and policymaking in the sector.
The launch of the Creative Economy Diagnostic Report is more than a ceremonial milestone—it represents a turning point in Sierra Leone’s journey towards a robust, inclusive, and economically vibrant creative industry. For Africa’s travel and tourism professionals, the report’s findings offer valuable insights into how the creative economy can drive destination branding, enrich cultural tourism offerings, and generate new employment opportunities. The synergy between tourism and creativity is increasingly recognised across the continent as a catalyst for sustainable development and competitive differentiation.
As Sierra Leone continues to invest in its creative industries, African travel planners and sector stakeholders are encouraged to explore new avenues for collaboration and product development. The country’s renewed focus on nurturing talent, building industry infrastructure, and fostering strategic partnerships is setting the stage for a new era—one where creativity is not only celebrated but harnessed as a powerful driver of growth, resilience, and international appeal.
In the years ahead, Sierra Leone’s creative sector is poised to play an even greater role in shaping the nation’s economic and cultural identity. The successful launch of the Creative Economy Diagnostic Report charts a clear path forward, inviting stakeholders from across Africa to take inspiration and join in the movement to elevate the creative industries as engines of inclusive prosperity.
