Africa’s cultural and natural treasures are under the global spotlight as four sites from Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone, Cameroon, and Malawi are up for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List. If approved, these additions will raise sub-Saharan Africa’s tally to 112 sites. Under Director-General Audrey Azoulay’s leadership, UNESCO has boosted African representation, pairing site recognition with deeper investment in local expertise. A mentorship program has trained 60 heritage professionals from 46 countries, while universities now offer heritage-focused degrees. Also, new tech tools like the UNESCO Sites Navigator and Dive into Heritage platform support conservation efforts. This push marks a major stride in celebrating Africa’s rich legacy while empowering the next generation to protect it.
GETAWAY
