Dr. Memunatu Pratt, former Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister departs Sierra Leone for Prestigious Pan-African Leadership Symposium in Nigeria with immense pride and admiration, the West Africa Tourism Peace and Economic Integration Organization (WATPECO) extends heartfelt congratulations to Hon.
Dr. Memunatu Pratt (Mrs.) as she departs Sierra Leone to participate in the 14th Pan-African Leadership Symposium & Honours (PALESH Nigeria 2025), taking place in Lagos, Nigeria.
Dr. Pratt, a distinguished academic, governance expert, and tireless peacebuilding advocate, has been specially invited as a Keynote Speaker and Awardee—a reflection of her exceptional contributions to cultural diplomacy, tourism development, and peacebuilding across Africa. Her recognition at this prestigious gathering affirms her status as one of the continent’s most influential thought leaders in these critical areas.
A former Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs of Sierra Leone, Dr. Pratt also previously served as Head of the Department of Peace and Conflict Studies and Senior Lecturer at the University of Sierra Leone. Through these roles, she has demonstrated a lifelong dedication to fostering unity, sustainable development, and regional cooperation. Her policies and initiatives have left a transformative legacy, especially in Sierra Leone’s tourism sector, where she championed innovation, community engagement, and cultural preservation.
At PALESH Nigeria 2025, Dr. Pratt will deliver a keynote address titled “Cultural Diplomacy: A Conceptual Approach to Sustainable Peace through Tourism.” Her speech will delve into the power of cultural exchange as a tool for fostering peaceful coexistence, mutual understanding, and economic prosperity throughout the African continent.
Dr. Pratt joins a distinguished roster of leaders invited to PALESH 2025, including: H.E. Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi – President of Zanzibar, H.E. Ibrahim Traoré – President of Burkina Faso, H.E. Chief Dr. Jewel Howard Taylor – Former Vice President of Liberia, Prof. Patrick Lumumba (PLO) -Renowned Kenyan Legal Scholar and Anti-Corruption Advocate, H.E. Prof. Dhadho Godhana -Mayor of Tana River County, Kenya and H.E. Ousmane Camara – Côte d’Ivoire 2025 Presidential Candidate
As she takes the stage at the prestigious Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, Lagos, on April 5, 2025, WATPECO joins the nation and the continent in celebrating her achievements and unwavering dedication to Africa’s progress.
Dr. Pratt has long been a singular force for development-not only in Sierra Leone but across Africa. Her leadership and vision continue to inspire the next generation of change makers.
Congratulations on this remarkable milestone. May your journey continue to uplift and transform lives across the continent and beyond.
