Empowering Women and Boosting Tourism: One Love Salone Foundation Commissions Wanpole Seafood Stall at Lumley Beach, Freetown Sierra Leone
On July 8, 2025, the One Love Salone Foundation, in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, proudly commissioned the Wanpole Fish Seafood Stall at Lumley Beach. This initiative marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to empower women and strengthen Sierra Leone’s tourism sector.
Strategically located along the vibrant Lumley Beach strip surrounded by hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues, the new seafood stall offers fishmongers a modern, accessible space to sell fresh seafood to locals and tourists alike. The stall is already making a positive impact on nearby tourism businesses and enhancing the beach’s appeal as a culinary destination.
For years, fishmongers in the area struggled with poor infrastructure, especially during the rainy season. Their call for a safe, well-constructed facility has now been answered. The Wanpole stall provides not only shelter and visibility but also dignity and opportunity for hardworking women in the seafood trade with water tanks, trash bins, light, sitting position and many valuable materials.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by key stakeholders, including Fatmata Carew, General Manager of the National Tourist Board, who praised the initiative and highlighted its alignment with the 2025 ‘Year of Ecotourism’ campaign. She also thanked the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Madam Nabeela Tunis for her unwavering leadership and support. She further encouraged fishmongers to maintain proper waste management practices to preserve the cleanliness and beauty of Lumley Beach.
At One Love Salone Foundation, we believe that tourism is everyone’s business - “Tourism Bizness, Na All Man Bizness.” We call on other organizations to follow suit and invest in sustainable, community-driven projects that position Sierra Leone as a top destination for both local and international visitors.
The launch of the Wanpole Seafood Stall at Lumley Beach marks a transformative moment for both community empowerment and sustainable tourism in Sierra Leone. By providing a modern, hygienic space for fishmongers many of whom are women, this initiative directly enhances livelihoods, promotes gender inclusion, and strengthens the local economy.
However, the long-term impact of this project depends on our collective commitment to sustainability. Proper waste management, regular maintenance, and community ownership are essential to preserving the beauty of Lumley Beach and ensuring the stall remains a source of pride and productivity. We call on fishmongers, local authorities, and tourism stakeholders to work together in keeping the space clean, functional, and welcoming.
“We believe that true development begins with dignity. From clean spaces to empowered livelihoods. The Wanpole Seafood Stall is not just a structure; it’s a symbol of opportunity, resilience, and our shared responsibility to build a sustainable future for all.” One Love Salone Foundation
