In this exclusive Q&A, Ty Kanu shares his journey, the inspiration behind Africa Waka Waka, and how the resort is shaping Sierra Leone’s tourism landscape while making a lasting impact on the local community.

About Ty Kanu

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your journey as a Sierra Leonean in the diaspora?

My name is Ty Kanu and I am a proud Sierra Leonean who was blessed with the opportunity to move to the United States at the age of 10. Throughout my entire childhood and young adulthood, I always felt the need to reconnect with my country and speak the language again. I felt the need to reconnect with the people and resubmerge in the Sierra Leone culture. After I graduated from college in the US, I took my first trip back to Sierra Leone and I immediately fell in love with my country.

What inspired you to invest in Sierra Leone, specifically in the tourism and hospitality sector?

I decided to invest in the Tourism and Hospitality sector in Sierra Leone because this sector presents a big opportunity for shared prosperity in the country. Also, my own personal travel experiences in Sierra Leone urged me to think through all the challenges that are facing the Tourism and Hospitality sector and to develop a solution that would make things better and contribute towards the growth of Sierra Leone.

About Africa Waka Waka

What is the vision behind Africa Waka Waka, and how did the idea of the resort come about?

Africa Waka Waka’s vision is to create a robust infrastructure for tourism in Sierra Leone and around Africa. Once this infrastructure has been created, we could then leverage it for other benefits including: setting standards within the Tourism and Hospitality sector, improving education through international study abroad programs and partnerships, facilitate business conferences and events, charity and donations, community outreach programs and much more.

Can you share some unique features or experiences that visitors can look forward to at Africa Waka Waka?

Africa Waka Waka Resort is a very beautiful place to visit. We have an amazing restaurant on site called Chicken Bluff. Chicken Bluff restaurant serves American Food, African Food, Indian food and Vegan Options. Alcohol and non-alcohol beverages are also on the menu. After 10:30 PM, the nightlife and entertainment programs start. Enjoy Quality.

Our Home-Style Hotel is very beautiful with spacious rooms that promote absolute comfort. Memory Form mattresses, AC, upgraded Jaguar Showers, Serta Pillows, Free Wifi, Free access to the swimming pool and gym, 24 hour lights and 24 hour on site security team. Enjoy Quality.

Why did you chose Lungi as the location for the resort?

I chose Lungi, for Africa Waka Waka’s first resort in Sierra Leone because Lungi is a very important location, when it comes to the creation of a robust infrastructure that promotes tourism in Sierra Leone we must always consider Lungi. Sierra Leone only has one airport in the country, and it’s located in Lungi. This means we have to make a very good first impression on all our guests entering the country. Also remember the effects of cultural shock. We need a seamless way to help our guests overcome the initial cultural shock that they will face upon arrival in Sierra Leone.

Investment and development

What were some of the challenges you faced in bringing this vision to life and how did you overcome them?

I faced many challenges during the formation of Africa Waka Waka. But I always reminded myself that Challenges are Opportunities that await Creative Reflections. You have to be strong and creative every day to make progress in this world. Through positive thinking, the love for my country, God and perseverance, I was able to overcome all obstacles and conquered the learning curve of starting a business in Sierra Leone.

How has the local community been involved in the development and operation of Africa Waka Waka?

Currently Africa Waka Waka is deeply involved with the community. Most of our employees are locals in Lungi and we have been able to provide them with meaningful employment.

Secondly, in our first two months in operations we utilized the infrastructure created by Africa Waka Waka to kick-off our social responsibility activities. Between October and November 2024, we made two charity donations to two schools in Lungi. We provided clothing and toys to a combined 250 students.

How do you see Africa Waka Waka contributing to the tourism industry in Sierra Leone?

I think Africa has already made significant contributions to the tourism industry and will continue to find innovative ways to contribute more. Currently, Africa Waka Waka has partnered with other resorts to establish a blueprint for the tourism infrastructure that I envisioned. We support our partner resorts by providing them with free marketing and greater exposure, consulting and sharing of ideas and open dialogue on all tourism related topics. At the same time, we verify and ensure our partner resorts meet a good level of hospitality standards that would be appreciated by our visitors. We must remove all pain-points out of the equation and make tourism to Sierra Leone fun, easy, enjoyable and safe.

For Potential Visitors

What makes Africa Waka Waka stand out compared to the other resorts in Sierra Leone?

Africa Waka Waka stands out from other resorts in the country because our vision for Tourism and Hospitality industry is incredibly powerful. Currently, we are positioned to welcome domestic and international travelers with a host of services through the infrastructure we have created. From flight arrival to flight departure, you are in good hands with Africa Waka Waka!

Moreover, We are looking at transforming Sierra Leone to an oasis of hope and prosperity. For example, Africa Waka Waka currently sells a type of Travel Package to Sierra Leone that includes 2 days voluntary work and four days of exploration and enjoyment. Imagin the impact this would have on our country? Tourists volunteering at our schools, hospitals, and religious centers during their tourism adventures. We need to be creative.

Are there any special packages or activities for travelers, such as eco-tours, cultural experiences, or family-oriented offerings

Our current Tourism packages are all family friendly. You can enjoy 7 days of pure assisted/guided tourism or you can enjoy a mixed package that includes tourism and volunteering. Africa Waka Waka believes we should create deeper involvement for all our visitors in Sierra Leone.

Additionally, depending on if you selected the Economy, Gold or Diamond Package, you would have options including: Africana clothing custom made for you, Kekeh Tours through Freetown, Beach life, Heritage sites exploration, participation in religious programs, volunteer work, entertainment industry, hotel-hopping and more.

Looking Ahead

What are your plans for the future of Africa Waka Waka?

The goal is to continue celebrating Africa Waka Waka as a respected player within the Tourism and Hospitality sector in Sierra Leone. Furthermore, we aim to continue fulfilling our social responsibilities by partnering with the local communities and supporting their dreams of a better Sierra Leone.

Do you envision expanding or adding new features?

As the name suggests, I plan to expand Africa Waka Waka to other African countries within the continent starting with West Africa. We have beautiful countries and it’s time we share it with the world and benefit from shared prosperity.

What advice would you give to other Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora looking to invest back home?

My advice to anyone who is looking to invest in Sierra Leone is to believe in yourself and your dreams. Work hard and never give up. Fight for good and keep on trying and God will answer all your prayers.