Conservations key to Africa's economic growth

 

Kaddu Kiwe Sebunya, Chief Executive Officer of the African Wildlife Foundation, expressed optimism about the transformative impact that conservation can have on African nations, particularly in unlocking economic opportunities.

Conservation, he noted, is not only about preserving wildlife but can also serve as a key pillar in the economic strategies of countries heavily reliant on tourism. Sebunya emphasised that Africa’s unique wildlife experiences, such as game drives, are under-priced despite their rarity and worldwide allure.

He pointed to successful models in Uganda and Rwanda, where tourists pay premium prices to view mountain gorillas, a one-of-a-kind product. He suggested that similar approaches could be applied to other African wildlife experiences to maximise their value.

Sebunya believes tourism holds immense potential to uplift local communities, particularly in rural areas. He argued that tourism should be positioned as a rural development strategy, directly benefiting the people living around conservation areas.

By involving locals in tourism activities, the economic impact extends beyond reserves, improving livelihoods and supporting long-term conservation efforts.

Beyond its direct economic benefits, Sebunya also highlighted tourism's role in promoting the “Brand Africa.” Many international visitors are introduced to Africa through its wildlife, and this experience can serve as a gateway to broader trade opportunities.

“Tourism helps promote the brand Africa,” he said, noting that it creates a positive association with the continent.

According to Sebunya, indigenous knowledge, is another critical component of Africa’s conservation efforts. He explained that African communities have co-existed with wildlife for centuries and possess unique expertise in managing these ecosystems.

For instance, in Tanzania, the Masai people work in partnership with national parks, combining traditional methods with modern technology to protect wildlife in areas such as the Maranya and Tarangire national park corridor.

Sebunya stressed that it is time for Africans to take a more prominent role in conservation discussions, as their voices have often been marginalised.

He emphasised that Africa’s wealth lies not in the ground, but above it, in its wildlife and natural ecosystems. These treasures are irreplaceable and cannot be recreated anywhere else in the world.

Sebunya urged Africans to shift their mindset regarding conservation and recognise the immense potential within their natural heritage.

With the right approach, conservation and tourism could become cornerstones of Africa’s economic future, benefiting both the people and the environment.