- May 4, 2025
- Posted by: cyril
- Categories: Business plans, Embassy Activities
In commemoration of the country’s 64th Independence Anniversary, Her Excellency Haja Ishata Thomas, Ambassador of Sierra Leone to the State of Kuwait, on Monday 28th April 2025, hosted a reception in which she extended an invitation to diplomats, investors and tourists to explore Sierra Leone’s opportunities, highlighting the West African nation’s growing investment prospects, tourism potential, and rich cultural heritage.
Speaking at the event in the Al-Baraka Ballroom, Crowne Plaza, Ambassador Thomas underscored Sierra Leone’s emergence as a promising investment hub in West Africa, noting extensive economic reforms aimed at fostering a secure and investor-friendly environment. “We have established a robust legal and regulatory framework to attract foreign direct investment,” she said, identifying agriculture, energy, mining, infrastructure, tourism, transport, and manufacturing as priority sectors. She encouraged Kuwaiti investors to explore these opportunities, emphasising the country’s abundant natural resources and strategic location along a key West African trade corridor with investment incentives and streamlined administrative procedures.
Turning to tourism, Her Excellency showcased Sierra Leone’s growing reputation as an ecotourism and cultural destination. “From golden beaches and lush rainforests to historic sites, Sierra Leone is one of West Africa’s most captivating countries,” she said. She cited popular attractions such as the Freetown Peninsula’s unspoiled coastline, the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, the Lion Mountains, and Bunce Island — a poignant site linked to the transatlantic slave trade. “Sierra Leone is more than its landscapes,” she added. “It is a peaceful, welcoming nation with a vibrant cultural identity.” She invited Kuwaitis and expatriates to experience the country firsthand, noting that visas are available on arrival or via the Embassy in Kuwait.
Ambassador Thomas went on to laud the more than 30 years of bilateral and multilateral cooperation between the two nations, describing the relationship as “strong, consistent, and mutually beneficial.” She pointed to the opening of Sierra Leone’s Embassy in Kuwait in 2009 as a key milestone that solidified collaboration across various sectors. “Our two nations have stood together on major international platforms, including the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation,” she maintained.
Recalling Sierra Leone’s support during the 1991 Gulf War, she noted the deployment of a Sierra Leonean military contingent to aid Kuwait during the Iraqi invasion. She also expressed gratitude for Kuwait’s humanitarian and development assistance over the years, particularly through the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development. “Kuwait stood with us during our darkest times — from the civil war to other national disasters,” she stated. The Kuwait Fund has played a pivotal role in funding major infrastructure projects in Sierra Leone, including rural water supply systems, the construction of three modern hospitals in Freetown, and key road networks.
The reception was climaxed by a video documentary of Sierra Leone’s investment potential in mining, tourism, agriculture, marine resources, energy and cultural performances, paying tribute to the unique diversity and the vibrant spirit of Sierra Leone.
Cyril Barnes,
Information Attaché,
Sierra Leone Embassy, the State of Kuwait
Email: information.attache@kw.slembassy.gov.sl