Staff Writer
The Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA), with support from the European Union and German Government, has launched a new initiative aimed at making tourism more inclusive while strengthening conservation and community livelihoods.
The Joint Action on Regenerative Nature-Based Tourism (R-NBT) was launched during a Regional Stakeholder Roundtable taking place in Maun, Botswana, from 22 to 24 September 2026.
The initiative will support micro, small and medium-sized tourism enterprises (MSMEs) across the KAZA landscape, with a particular focus on businesses led by women, young people and communities living near protected areas.
Support will include business development, access to finance, capacity building and stronger links to tourism markets, helping smaller enterprises participate more effectively in the regional tourism economy.
KAZA covers Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe, making it one of the world’s largest terrestrial transfrontier conservation areas and a major destination for wildlife, nature and cultural tourism.
The initiative seeks to promote a tourism model that goes beyond generating revenue by contributing to ecosystem restoration, biodiversity conservation and improved livelihoods.
The launch highlights growing efforts within KAZA to ensure that tourism growth benefits both the region’s natural environment and the communities living alongside its protected areas.