African World Heritage Fund

African World Heritage Fund We work for the protection and conservation of Africa’s magnificent heritage sites – both cultural and natural.
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The African World Heritage Fund (AWHF), founded in 2006 by the African Union and Africa Group at UNESCO supports African States in implementing the 1972 World Heritage Convention, addressing underrepresentation and conservation gaps. The African continent is the ‘cradle of humankind’ and home to impressive biodiversity and wildlife, as well as cultural treasures from ancient and modern times. Our

focus is on sites that are inscribed on or have the potential to be inscribed on the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List. These are sites of Outstanding Universal Value to humanity, and as such as been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, to be protected for the benefit of present and future generations. The sites of Kilimanjaro, Timbuktu, Lake Malawi and the pyramids of Egypt are among the African sites that are among the African sites already inscribed on the List. The effects of climate change, unsustainable development and lack of resources and knowledge threatens the preservation of many heritage sites on the African continent. Our strategy is to deal with these challenges on an immediate and local level. With our mandate from UNESCO and the African Union we team up with international and local organizations to build capacity needed for taking care of our heritage. Our capacity-building programmes focus on the training of local site managers. Contributions to our work support an organization that covers the whole African continent and is ‘owned’ by the people of Africa.

📢 Call for Applications📢 The African World Heritage Fund seeks a qualified consultant for the End-of-Term Evaluation of ...
13/01/2026

📢 Call for Applications📢

The African World Heritage Fund seeks a qualified consultant for the End-of-Term Evaluation of its Strategic Plan (2022–2027).

✅ Closing Date: 6 February 2026, 16:30 SAST
✅ Assignment Duration: 1 April – 1 May 2026
If you have expertise in heritage management, strategic evaluations, and policy frameworks, this is your opportunity to make an impact!

👉 Apply now: https://awhf.net/call-for-applications-evaluation-consultant/
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📢 Appel à candidatures📢

Le Fonds pour le Patrimoine Mondial Africain ( ) recherche un consultant qualifié pour l’évaluation de fin de mandat de son Plan Stratégique (2022–2027).

✅ Date limite : 6 février 2026, 16h30 SAST
✅ Durée de la mission : 1er avril – 1er mai 2026

Vous avez une expertise en gestion du patrimoine, évaluations stratégiques et cadres politiques ? C’est votre chance de faire la différence !

👉 Postulez dès maintenant : https://awhf.net/call-for-applications-evaluation-consultant/

18/12/2025
To strengthen the capacities of heritage practitioners in the field of interpretation and presentation of World Heritage...
18/12/2025

To strengthen the capacities of heritage practitioners in the field of interpretation and presentation of World Heritage properties, the African World Heritage Fund and the International Centre for the Interpretation and Presentation of WH, in partnership with the Government of the Republic of Ghana, convened the third edition of the Workshop on the Interpretation and Presentation of World Heritage in Africa, with the in-person component hosted in Ghana.

Aligned with priorities identified by African World Heritage site managers and National Focal Points under the Third Cycle Action Plan for World Heritage in Africa (2021–2027), the workshop formed part of the ongoing collaboration between and in support of the implementation of the 1972 World Heritage Convention.

We extend our sincere appreciation to Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, MP, Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts of the Republic of Ghana, whose esteemed presence and leadership reflected the Government of Ghana’s strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting cultural heritage. Special thanks are conveyed for the warm hospitality extended to all participants during the in-person engagement.

Through expert-led discussions, collaborative group work and site-based learning at the Forts and Castles of Ghana, participants explored inclusive, community-centred and sustainable approaches to the interpretation and presentation of World Heritage.

The workshop strengthened professional capacity, fostered regional collaboration and supported the development of context-specific interpretation strategies grounded in African realities.

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The African World Heritage Fund participated in the 5th Specialized Technical Committee Meeting on Youth, Culture and Sp...
14/12/2025

The African World Heritage Fund participated in the 5th Specialized Technical Committee Meeting on Youth, Culture and Sports (STC-YCS5) held in Bujumbura, Burundi, under the theme “Reclaiming Dignity and Advancing Reparatory Justice Through Youth, Culture and Sport.”

As part of the Culture Experts’ Parallel Session, presented its 2023–2025 activity report, highlighting progress in increasing African sites on the List, strengthening the conservation and management of heritage properties, and promoting sustainable development opportunities for communities living around heritage sites.

In addition to its technical contribution, AWHF hosted a mobile exhibition on the sidelines of the STC-YCS5, offering delegates an engaging platform to explore the Fund’s impact over the past 20 years. The exhibition showcased milestone achievements, flagship programmes, and the transformative role of heritage across the continent.

The meeting brought together 34 African Union (AU) Member States and a broad network of youth organisations, Pan-African cultural institutions, UN agencies, sporting bodies, and development partners. Discussions focused on advancing the AU 2025 Theme of the Year on reparatory justice, reviewing STC-YCS4 decisions, and aligning cultural priorities with Agenda 2063.

With the final reporting, the STC-YCS5 recommended continued support to AWHF, enhanced private sector investment in heritage, and encouraged Member States to participate in AWHF’s 20th Anniversary High-Level Advocacy Event in 2026.

AWHF further strengthened collaboration through engagements with the Ministers of Sports, Youth, Arts and Culture of Botswana, South Africa, Seychelles and Malawi, as well as with the AU Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development (HHSCD). These discussions reaffirmed a shared commitment to using heritage as a tool for unity, dignity and sustainable development.

AWHF appreciates the continued support of the African Union as we collectively strengthen Africa’s cultural identity, dignity and global footprint, and we look forward to the outcomes of the STC-YCS5.

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  celebrates the successful convening of the 38th Board of Governors Meeting in Cairo, Egypt 🇪🇬The African World Heritag...
11/12/2025

celebrates the successful convening of the 38th Board of Governors Meeting in Cairo, Egypt 🇪🇬

The African World Heritage Fund, in partnership with the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, held the 38th session of the Board of Governors in the historic city of Cairo, : a cradle of civilization whose monuments, sacred places and living traditions have inspired humanity for millennia.

This milestone gathering reflected on key achievements across the continent, including new inscriptions, strengthened management of existing sites, and the removal of properties from the List of World Heritage in Danger. The Board also charted pathways towards consolidating the Fund’s financial base, deepening strategic partnerships, and preparing for the AWHF’s 20-Year anniversary in 2026 ( @20).

expresses profound gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Arab Republic of for its warm hospitality, long-standing support and excellent organisation. A special thank you to, H.E. Ambassador Amr El‑Sherbiny, for honouring the meeting with his presence and for reaffirming Egypt’s commitment to advancing African heritage development and capacity-building.

Our heartfelt appreciation also goes to our valued partners governments: Angola, Azerbaijan, Norway, the Republic of Korea, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. Their generous financial support in 2025 is not only sustaining our work but powerfully driving forward Africa’s heritage and development ambitions.

With renewed spirit, continues its work to ensure Africa’s heritage remains a source of pride, development, and opportunity.

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10/12/2025

AWHF is proud to participate in the 5th Specialized Technical Committee Meeting on Youth, Culture and Sports (STC-YCS5) in Bujumbura, Burundi.

African World Heritage Fund proudly concludes a successful and energizing participation at the G20 Social Summit; a glob...
20/11/2025

African World Heritage Fund proudly concludes a successful and energizing participation at the G20 Social Summit; a global platform that powerfully advanced the objectives of civil society engagement, cultural entrepreneurship, and inclusive development.

Throughout the Summit, our exhibition stand became a hub of interactive dialogue and meaningful connection. We were honoured by the presence of several prominent leaders and delegates who took time to engage with our work and explore Africa’s rich World Heritage story.

Some of our key highlights include:
• Engagement, with vibrant conversations on community empowerment and heritage-centred development.
• Showcasing our support for entrepreneurship and sustainable tourism;
• Greater visibility for Africa’s World Heritage, highlighting its global significance and its role in social inclusion.

Thank you to all who engaged with us and contributed to these collective achievements. remains committed to strengthening and promoting Africa’s heritage.

📢   at the G20 Social Summit!We are thrilled to participate as an exhibitor at the G20 Social Summit (18–20 November 202...
19/11/2025

📢 at the G20 Social Summit!

We are thrilled to participate as an exhibitor at the G20 Social Summit (18–20 November 2025), a global platform dedicated to amplifying civil society voices, supporting SMMEs, and creating meaningful opportunities for local creatives to access international markets.

The Summit’s objectives strongly resonate with AWHF’s mission and strategic vision:

🌍 Championing Community Empowerment: The Summit’s emphasis on civil society engagement aligns with our commitment to strengthening local participation and building capacity around Africa’s World Heritage sites.

🛍️ Supporting SMMEs & Creative Entrepreneurs: This platform reinforces our work in promoting sustainable tourism, cultural enterprises, and community-driven economic growth.

📈 Driving Sustainable Development: The shared focus on inclusivity and long-term impact mirrors our dedication to ensuring that Africa’s heritage contributes to social and economic transformation across the continent.

As a proud exhibitor, looks forward to connecting with delegates, sharing Africa’s rich heritage stories, and exploring new pathways for collaboration.

19/11/2025

is a proud EXHIBITOR at the G20 Social Summit 2025

Address

Bujumbura

Opening Hours

Monday 09:00 - 16:30
Tuesday 09:00 - 16:30
Wednesday 09:00 - 16:30
Thursday 09:00 - 16:30
Friday 09:00 - 16:30

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