Tanzania’s Isimila Stone Age Site Museum in Iringa has been honoured internationally, winning among the best heritage and research presentations at the International Council of Museums (ICOM) 2025 conference, held in Rome, Italy, from September 24 to 27.
Senior Curator of Antiquities at the Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial House, Magomeni, Ms. Neema Mbwana, who attended the conference alongside Assistant Curator Mr. Benedict Jagadi and Senior Curator Ms. Amina Salum, said the award underscores Tanzania’s rising profile in heritage preservation.
“The recognition followed a paper I submitted on Isimila, which was selected among the top presentations,” Ms. Mbwana said, highlighting the museum’s significance as a site housing stone tools over 300,000 years old, natural pillars, and a history connecting human development across continents.
The presentation showcased the link between Isimila and Ruaha National Park, emphasizing the ‘Magda Natural Pillars’ as a unique feature of the site.
Through TANAPA, Tanzania highlighted its vision for safeguarding heritage through sustainable conservation, collaboration, and community engagement.
Experts say the award not only places Isimila on the global heritage map but also boosts tourism and research opportunities, inviting scholars and visitors worldwide to explore Tanzania’s rich archaeological and cultural legacy.