DAR ES SALAAM, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- Tanzania's Zanzibar authorities on Thursday launched a 12 million U.S. dollar heritage restoration initiative in partnership with private firm Infinity Developments to strengthen cultural preservation and boost tourism appeal.
The initiative aims to restore and modernize several historic sites across the archipelago, including locations within and beyond Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Officials said the project is a significant public-private partnership that places cultural conservation at the center of long-term economic development.
The restoration program will cover key landmarks such as the Old Fort, the High Court Museum, and several historic complexes. Planned works include structural conservation, infrastructure upgrades, and improvements to visitor facilities and cultural programming.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Aboud Suleiman Jumbe, principal secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Heritage, said the initiative aligns with Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi's agenda of promoting heritage-led development as a driver of progress.
Samuel Saba, chief executive officer of Infinity Developments, noted that the investment aims to transform historic sites into vibrant cultural spaces that inspire learning and community pride. ■