SIERRA LEONE – Freetown has been selected to host the UN Women in Tourism Africa Regional Congress in Freetown from October 29 to 31.
The event is organized by the government in collaboration with UN Tourism and supported by the African Union and UN Women. The event’s theme for this year is ‘Beyond Empowerment to Education, Innovation, and Finance Access.’
According to the organizers, the event will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, and women entrepreneurs across the continent to exchange ideas on actionable strategies for advancing women’s roles in the tourism sector.
The event will feature high-level panel discussions, opportunities for mentorship, presentations on gender-responsive policies in tourism, and a workshop on financial access in the restaurant sector.
Confirmed speakers for the event include Ms. Elicia Grandcourt, Director for Africa, UN Tourism, Ms. Natalia Bayona, Executive Director, UN Tourism, Mrs. Oulimata Sarr, former Minister of the Economy, Planning and Cooperation of Senegal.
Other speakers include former UN Women Regional Director for West and Central Africa and Kojo Bentum-Williams, Senior Expert on Communications in Africa, UN Tourism.
It will also feature prominent African leaders, such as ministers from Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Malawi, as well as representatives from organizations like AfCFTA, AUDA-NEPAD, and ECOWAS.
The mentorship sessions will include interactive sessions on integrating new technologies in the tourism sector, digital tools, and business strategies meant to help women entrepreneurs in Africa flourish in the tourism sector.
The finance workshops will provide valuable insights to participants on how to navigate the challenging financial landscape as well as create and execute business plans.
Nabeela Farida Tunis, Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs of Sierra Leone and Chair of the Women in Tourism Leadership Africa Committee (WITLAC) welcomed the announcement, reiterating it provides a unique opportunity to bridge the gender equality gap in tourism.
The Minister said, “Tourism is a space where women can take charge, but to truly excel, we must equip them with the necessary tools—education, innovation, and access to finance.”
“This congress is not just about talking; it’s about action. We are here to map out a clear path for advancing women’s leadership and participation in this vital industry.”
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