On 15 January 2026, the Africa–Europe Partnerships for Culture project formally launched its implementation phase, initiating a multi-country effort to harness culture and heritage for sustainable tourism, inclusive development, and youth employment across six Southern African countries.
The launch established governance, delivery, and partnership frameworks, validating the project’s roadmap and coordination mechanisms to enable structured site-level pilots, community programs, and capacity-building initiatives. Representatives from the European Union, UNESCO, national commissions, government agencies, and cultural and tourism stakeholders highlighted regional ownership and commitment to strengthening local identities, livelihoods, and long-term sustainability.
The project focuses on six heritage and cultural destinations—Tsodilo Hills (Botswana), Matsanjeni North Inkhundla (Eswatini), Morija Cultural Precinct (Lesotho), Twyfelfontein (Namibia), ǂKhomani Cultural Landscape (South Africa), and Matobo Hills (Zimbabwe)—demonstrating how cross-country collaboration can translate heritage potential into tangible community benefits.
By centering communities in decision-making, promoting social inclusion, and encouraging environmentally responsible practices, the initiative aims to convert heritage conservation into everyday economic and cultural opportunities. The steering committee validated strategic recommendations, governance structures, and communications strategies, setting the foundation for coordinated action from 2025 to 2027.
With the support of UNESCO and the European Union, the project moves from planning to implementation, rolling out national-level activities, site-based pilots, and community engagement, aiming to create a more inclusive, resilient, and culturally anchored tourism sector in Southern Africa.
