UN Tourism, TUI fund 5 community-led tourism projects across Africa in historic first

AFRICA – UN Tourism and the TUI Care Foundation have awarded funding and technical support to five community-led tourism projects across Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, and Tanzania through their new Colourful Cultures programme.

In a historic first, UN Tourism has provided direct funding to community-level organisations rather than governments or large institutions, marking a significant shift in how international tourism development reaches grassroots initiatives.

Overwhelming Response Reveals Community Hunger

When applications opened, 141 non-profit organisations from across Africa submitted proposals, revealing a continent brimming with ideas for cultural tourism, craft markets, storytelling experiences, and conservation tourism.

What many lacked was funding, training, and access to tourism markets, gaps the Colourful Cultures programme is designed to fill.

Each selected project helps local artisans, women, youth, and indigenous groups build skills, develop tourism products, and connect with travellers seeking authentic cultural experiences.

Mozambique: Empowering Artisans Near Gorongosa

Near Gorongosa National Park, Associação dos Deficientes Moçambicanos will launch Voices and Colors of Gorongosa, training artisans living with disabilities to develop certified craft products for tourists.

The programme expects to benefit around 110 people, with women making up more than 60 percent of participants, adding a new cultural dimension to a destination already renowned for its wildlife recovery story.

Namibia: Reviving Khwe Culture in Bwabwata

The Namibia Development Foundation Trust will work with the indigenous Khwe community in Bwabwata National Park on Traditions in Bwabwata.

About 50 Khwe artisans will receive training in craft production and cultural storytelling, establishing a cultural centre inside the park where travellers can connect with one of Namibia’s lesser-known cultural communities.

Rwanda: Creativity and Conservation Flourish

Rwanda secured two initiatives.

The Red Rocks Initiative will train women and youth cooperatives in Musanze District in visual arts, entrepreneurship, and storytelling, reaching about 100 beneficiaries.

Nature Rwanda will transform Busaga Forest into a community-led tourism destination combining forest conservation with guided walks and handicraft production, creating training and employment for 30 community members.

Tanzania: Preserving Maasai Culture

In Kiteto District, the KINNAPA Development Programme will launch the Maasai Cultural Programme, training 50 Maasai women and young people in crafts, arts, and tourism services.

The initiative emphasizes cultural preservation, allowing visitors to experience authentic Maasai traditions while supporting local livelihoods.

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