By Ibrahim S. Bangura
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Tunis, represented the country at the first-ever United Nations Tourism Africa and Americas Summit, held in the Dominican Republic. The summit brought together key stakeholders from both continents to strengthen tourism collaboration, focusing on shared cultural ties and historical connections between Africa and the Americas.
In her speech at the event, Minister Tunis expressed gratitude to the Dominican Republic for successfully hosting the summit, praising the nation’s Tourism Minister, David Collado, and his team for their efforts in organizing the milestone event. She highlighted the deep-rooted historical and cultural bonds between Africa and the Americas, noting Sierra Leone’s pivotal role in the Atlantic slave trade. “The relationship between our continents is not only historical but also deeply cultural, shaping our identities and traditions,” Tunis remarked, emphasizing how these connections continue to influence both regions.
The minister discussed the lasting impact of African cultural practices on the Americas, with African spiritual traditions significantly shaping religious expressions across both continents. She also underscored the influence of African culinary traditions on diverse food practices in the Americas, pointing out that shared ingredients and cooking methods have created a common gastronomic heritage enjoyed on both sides of the Atlantic.
Tunis also explored the broader implications of cultural exchanges rooted in the transatlantic slave trade. She cited how African customs, languages, and traditions blended with those of indigenous populations and European settlers, creating distinct cultural identities that persist today. One key example she mentioned was Sierra Leone’s Krio language, which epitomizes the blending of African and European influences.
The minister further highlighted Africa’s profound influence on the music of the Americas, noting that African rhythms and styles are the foundation of several major genres, including jazz, blues, samba, and reggae. These African-rooted genres, she said, continue to enrich the global cultural landscape.
In her closing remarks, Minister Tunis called for greater recognition and celebration of the shared historical and cultural contributions between Africa and the Americas. She stressed that promoting these connections would not only enhance the tourism potential of both regions but also foster deeper cultural appreciation and mutual respect.
The summit concluded with discussions on collaborative efforts to use tourism as a vehicle for cultural exchange, economic growth, and sustainable development between Africa and the Americas.