Unesco DG visit boosts Tanzania’s heritage and conservation efforts

Unguja. The ongoing visit by the Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (Unesco), Audrey Azoulay, is set to bring significant benefits to Tanzania, with increased expertise and financial support for the preservation of world heritage sites.

Since March 1, 2025, Azoulay has been touring both Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, meeting with top government officials and visiting a number of historically significant sites. 

Among the locations she explored were Mafia Island, the Palese Museum, Beit Al Ajab, the Majestic Cinema, and the Slave Market at Mkunazini Church.

Following the completion of her visit to Zanzibar on March 6, Tanzania’s Ambassador to France and Permanent Representative to Unesco, Mr Ali Jabir Mwadini, spoke about the positive outcomes from the visit. 

He highlighted the technical and financial assistance to support the preservation of the country’s numerous historical buildings.

“Such visits are rare because they don’t happen everywhere. Tanzania is among the few African countries that have numerous world heritage sites, recognised globally,” said Ambassador Mwadini. “It places us in a special position on the world map in terms of conservation, and this country takes pride in many attractions linked to conservation.”

The Ambassador also noted that Tanzania’s wealth of tourist attractions, including those in Zanzibar, are integral to conservation efforts. 

He pointed to the country’s success in heritage preservation, as well as its use of natural resources in environmental development.

Unesco National Commission Executive Secretary, Prof Hamis Malebo, explained that Azoulay’s visit was prompted by an invitation from President Samia Suluhu Hassan. Prof Malebo highlighted several benefits from the visit, including opportunities for women involved in seaweed farming to participate in Africa Day exhibitions in Paris this May.

In Zanzibar’s Old Town, many of the historic buildings are in dire need of restoration. Some require specialized expertise to prevent further deterioration. Unesco continues to provide technical assistance and financial support for their restoration.

“Unesco is bringing in specialists to inspect the buildings and offer their advice on preservation,” said Prof Malebo.

Efforts are ongoing to secure international funding to support these initiatives, with the government actively engaging potential donors.

The Director-General of the Zanzibar Old Town Conservation and Development Authority, Mr Ali Said Bakar, praised the visit as a demonstration of the strong relationship between Tanzania and Unesco.

“Unesco can help bring in various stakeholders to carry out major renovations on some of the buildings within the Old Town,” he said.

The Tanzanian government has already allocated $5.5 million (about Sh14.3 billion) for the restoration of the Old Town, with an additional Sh15 billion set aside for further renovations. “This also motivates international organizations, as the country itself is leading the efforts in restoring and preserving this city,” Mr Bakar noted.

During her visit, Zanzibar President Hussein Mwinyi urged Unesco to continue supporting the Isles, particularly in the development of its blue economy, which he emphasized is vital for the welfare of Zanzibar's people. In response, Unesco Director-General Audrey Azoulay assured Zanzibar of continued assistance.

“We are ready to offer technical, technological, and expertise support to strengthen these sectors,” she said.

The visit underscores the ongoing collaboration between Tanzania and Unesco, with a focus on preserving the country's heritage while fostering sustainable development for future generations.