His Excellency Dr Eustáquio Januário Quibato, Angola’s Ambassador to Sierra Leone based in Conakry, Guinea, met Sierra Leone’s Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Hon. Nabeela Farida Tunis, during a courtesy visit. This meeting was part of Angola’s preparations for the 3rd UN Africa Gastronomy Summit, set to take place in Sierra Leone from 2-4 December 2026.
Ambassador Quibato’s visit aimed to discuss logistical arrangements for the event and provide insights for the Angolan delegation that will attend. Minister Tunis assured him that Sierra Leone is well-prepared to host the summit. She detailed the arrangements made with UN Tourism to ensure a smooth and memorable experience for all delegates. Participants arriving at Freetown International Airport in Lungi will be welcomed and transported to nearby accommodation, with transfers expected to take around 30 minutes.
The main conference sessions will occur at the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre on the second and third days of the summit. In anticipation of a larger attendance, the ministry has secured additional local hotels within walking distance of the venue, including LIA Hotel, Gateway Hotel, and Tariq’s Resort, all situated seven to twelve minutes from the conference centre. This choice aims to minimise travel times and encourage participation in various summit activities.
Minister Tunis also shared details of complementary activities designed to highlight Sierra Leone’s tourism potential, cultural heritage, and hospitality industry to the expected guests, including ministers and tourism experts. She emphasised that the programme is curated to provide a rich experience of the country’s culinary traditions and promote Sierra Leone as an appealing destination for international conferences and leisure.
Ambassador Quibato commended the Ministry for their thorough preparations and confirmed Angola’s involvement in the summit, expressing optimism that it would enhance collaboration across Africa to advance gastronomy, cultural preservation, tourism, and sustainable economic growth. Organisers anticipate that the summit will gather a diverse range of stakeholders to discuss the connections between food, culture, and development. As preparations near completion, the government sees this event as a significant opportunity to showcase Africa’s culinary diversity and demonstrate Sierra Leone’s ability to host major international gatherings.
