Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. Sierra Leone is set to sign a 10-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with organisers of the Budapest–Bamako Rally that will make the country the permanent finishing destination for the international motorsport and tourism event, the National Tourist Board has said.
In her statement, the Managing Director of the National Tourist Board, Fatmata Mida Carew, said the agreement with the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs would formalise Sierra Leone’s role as the rally’s endpoint for the next decade.
“We are expecting a total of 1,280 tourists for the 2026 rally, and the first batch brought 797 participants with 352 vehicles and about 200 motorcycles,” Carew told a press men.
She affirmed that the second batch is expected to arrive on 5th of March, and plans are underway to sign a memorandum that will make Sierra Leone the official finish line for the next ten years.
The Budapest–Bamako Rally, which is held every two years, has ended in Sierra Leone in 2020, 2022, 2024 and again in 2026. Participants travel from Europe through North and West Africa before reaching the final destination.
”This agreement long-term agreement will strengthen Sierra Leone’s international profile and attract repeat visitors, particularly from Europe, where most competitors originate,” she said.
Carew said the rally would generate sustained economic benefits as participants spend on hotels, food, fuel and transport services, while many are expected to leave the country by air, boosting revenue for the aviation sector.
The rally combines adventure driving with charity and cultural exchange. This year’s theme is “culture and creativity”, aimed at promoting local arts and traditions at the finishing point.
She affirmed that the decade-long partnership reflects growing international confidence in Sierra Leone’s ability to host major global events and could help position the country as a hub for adventure and events tourism in West Africa.
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