Though Sierra Leone is known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture, this West African country also faces persistent poverty. Inflation, minimal career opportunities and unequal access to resources and education contribute to almost two-thirds of citizens living below the poverty line. Repeated media coverage of tragedies in Sierra Leone, such as civil war, natural disasters and disease outbreaks, often deters tourists from visiting and supporting local businesses. However, tourism may have the potential to strengthen Sierra Leone’s economy. Here is how places like Bafa Resort can create new financial opportunities for Sierra Leone.

Poverty in Sierra Leone

As of 2024, about 65% of Sierra Leoneans, more than 5.5 million people, were living below the national poverty line. Poverty is especially prevalent in rural areas, where the poverty rate is roughly three times higher than in most urban areas. One of the many factors that contribute to the prevalence of poverty is the lack of stable job opportunities, particularly in rural areas. In 2022, about 289,000 adults were unemployed in Sierra Leone. Most people rely on inconsistent, low-paying jobs to survive, with 91.7% of working adults holding informal jobs.

Youth ages 15 to 24 and women are especially at risk of being unemployed or underemployed. Approximately 15.6% of adult women and 35% of youth in the workforce are underutilized. Low-income families often lack the funds to send their children to school, forcing youth to accept low-paying jobs and about 30% of girls to marry before age 18. Even when children can go to school, many schools do not have sufficient school supplies, qualified teachers or decent classrooms to effectively teach students.

About Bafa Resort

Bafa Resort is an eco-resort in the Banana Islands of Sierra Leone. Guests can enjoy meals made from locally sourced ingredients and partake in activities such as fishing, free diving, hiking and kayaking. Bafa Resort also offers several camping packages to suit guests’ preferences and budgets, ranging from guests pitching their own tents to relaxing in one of several “glamping tents” overlooking the ocean.

Bafa Resort has made intentional efforts to support islanders and local businesses. By buying locally sourced foods, Bafa Resort supports more than a dozen Sierra Leonean businesses while providing guests with fresh, quality meals. The community also receives “development fees” on behalf of resort guests to help support local industries and higher education. Additionally, locals are given priority for employment opportunities, especially women and youth.

One local who has benefited from working at Bafa Resort is kitchen manager and team leader Kona Keitell, affectionately known as “Aunty Kona” or “Aunty K.” Despite only having a Grade 2 level education, Keitell ensures that daily operations in the kitchen and the rest of the resort run smoothly. In 2018, Keitell was the first Bafa employee to benefit from the resort’s three-month paid maternity leave after welcoming her baby, Augusta. With the responsibility and skills she has learned through Bafa Resort, Keitell hopes to one day open her own restaurant.

Looking Forward

According to tour guide Peter Momoh Bassie, tourism is crucial in fostering economic growth in Sierra Leone. Places like Bafa Resort not only provide jobs and the chance to escape poverty for locals, but also advertise the nation as a tourist hotspot where visitors can relax, explore and enjoy the natural beauty. By changing global perceptions and supporting local businesses, tourism offers Sierra Leoneans a second chance at life.

– Lily Alexander

Lily is based in Surrey, BC, Canada and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons