KAZA launches regenerative tourism initiative for Southern Africa

The Kavango Zambezi Trans-Frontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA) has launched the Joint Action on Regenerative Nature-Based Tourism (R-NBT) initiative. The program aims to strengthen conservation and expand sustainable livelihood opportunities across Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Launched during a regional stakeholder roundtable in Maun, Botswana, the initiative focuses on supporting micro, small, and medium tourism enterprises (MSMEs). Special emphasis will be placed on businesses led by women, youth, and communities residing near protected areas. Support measures include capacity building, access to finance, business development, and improved integration into tourism markets.

The initiative is being implemented in partnership with the European Union and the German Government as part of broader support for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Tourism Programme. The goal is to ensure tourism contributes to biodiversity conservation while driving job creation and economic resilience for local populations within the world’s largest terrestrial transfrontier conservation landscape.