The Commissioner for Conservation at the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA), CPA Musa Nassoro Kuji, has urged heritage site managers to enhance innovation and strengthen accountability in the management and promotion of the country’s historical sites.
Speaking in Dodoma on October 25, 2025, during TANAPA’s annual working session for the Historical Sites Unit, Commissioner Kuji commended site managers for their dedication to conserving Tanzania’s cultural and historical heritage.
The meeting reviewed progress made in the 2024/2025 financial year and assessed performance for the first quarter of 2025/2026.
“I commend you for your commitment and the significant strides made in promoting and protecting our heritage assets. Let us continue to create sustainable income-generating initiatives through tourism, strengthen management and accountability, and improve site infrastructure to ensure long-term preservation for the benefit of present and future generations,” he said.
The Commissioner underscored the importance of innovation in attracting both local and international visitors to Tanzania’s historical sites, noting that cultural and heritage tourism plays a growing role in the national economy.
Earlier, Senior Conservation Officer and Coordinator of TANAPA’s Historical Sites Unit, Neema Mbwana, presented the performance report, highlighting tangible progress in conservation, research, and heritage tourism.
She revealed that during the reporting period, visitor numbers and revenues had increased notably. “A total of 31,054 visitors toured the heritage sites, generating over TZS 79.8 million in revenue. This growth reflects rising public interest in Tanzania’s historical and cultural attractions,” Mbwana said.
She also noted infrastructure improvements, including building renovations and enhanced site management systems.
Public awareness of heritage preservation has grown, alongside stronger international partnerships.
“TANAPA continues to collaborate with global heritage institutions such as UNESCO, ICOM, ICCROM, and ICOMOS.
Through these partnerships, the Central Slave Trade Route has been added to UNESCO’s Tentative List, with funding from the African World Heritage Fund (AWHF) to support preparations for its official nomination as a World Heritage Site,” Mbwana explained.
She added that the Isimila Stone Age Site gained international recognition through its presentation titled ‘Bridging Continents to Safeguard Deep Time’ in Italy, positioning TANAPA as a leading institution in archaeological research and conservation excellence.
The meeting also featured presentations from heads of several heritage sites under TANAPA, including the Isimila Stone Age Site (Iringa), Chief Mkwawa Museum (Kalenga), Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial House (Dar es Salaam), Caravan Serai Slave Trade Museum (Bagamoyo), and Dr. Livingstone Memorial Museum (Ujiji, Kigoma).
The sites continue to experience steady growth in visitor numbers and revenues, with ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure and visitor experiences.
TANAPA has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the nation’s heritage and promoting historical tourism as part of sustainable development.
Heritage sites under TANAPA also serve as vital educational platforms, offering learning opportunities for students and the public to deepen their understanding of Tanzania’s history and cultural identity.
Through these efforts, TANAPA aims to inspire a new generation of Tanzanians to value and protect the country’s rich historical legacy.