The Government of Sierra Leone has officially launched a major restoration project at the historic Bunce Island Slave Fort as part of efforts to preserve the country’s cultural heritage and promote tourism.
The project, known as the Development of the Physical Infrastructure of Bunce Island Historical Site, was launched on Tuesday, 10 November 2026, by the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Farida Tunis.
The government-funded initiative will be implemented by the Monuments and Relics Commission (MRC), with a focus on strengthening the historic structures, protecting the remains of the slave fort and improving the island’s potential as a tourist destination.
Located in Kamasondo Chiefdom, Port Loko District, Bunce Island played a significant role in the transatlantic slave trade. The island was once a major British slave trading post where thousands of Africans were held before being transported across the Atlantic Ocean.
Speaking during the launch, Minister Tunis described the project as an important step towards protecting one of Sierra Leone’s most valuable historical landmarks.
She explained that the government’s commitment to restoring the island was strengthened following President Julius Maada Bio’s visit to the historic site earlier this year.
In June 2026, President Bio visited Bunce Island as part of a tour of major tourism and heritage sites. During the visit, he paid tribute to Africans who suffered during the slave trade and highlighted the importance of preserving the island for future generations.
Minister Tunis also disclosed that her ministry had made progress in efforts to secure UNESCO World Heritage recognition for Bunce Island.
She said preserving the site would help future generations understand the history of the transatlantic slave trade while creating opportunities for education, research and cultural tourism.
The Resident Minister for the North-West Region, Ambassador Umaru Bun Wurie, also welcomed the initiative, explaining that restoring the former slave fort should not be seen as celebrating slavery but rather as preserving an important part of history.
He noted that the project is fully funded by the Government and people of Sierra Leone and reflects the administration’s commitment to protecting the country’s historical and cultural landmarks.
Beyond preserving the fort, the restoration is expected to attract more visitors, particularly members of the African diaspora interested in tracing their ancestral connections to Sierra Leone.
The project is also expected to support tourism development and strengthen Sierra Leone’s position as a heritage tourism destination in West Africa.
Bunce Island remains one of the country’s most important historical sites, serving as a reminder of the suffering caused by the transatlantic slave trade and the importance of preserving history for future generations.
