Lake Malawi National Park

Malawi

M'Zab Valley

 Algeria

Ancient Ksour of Ouadane, Chinguetti, Tichitt and Oualata

Mauritania

Mana Pools National Park

 Zimbabwe

Kerkouane

  Tunisia

Twyfelfontein

Namibia

Thimlich Ohinga

Kenya

Barberton Makhonjwa

Mpumalanga – South Africa

Al Qal'a of Beni Hammad

Algeria

Lalibela

Ethiopia

Investing in heritage

WELCOME TO THE AFRICAN WORLD HERITAGE FUND

The African World Heritage Fund (AWHF) is an inter-governmental organisation that was launched in 2006 with the mission to support the effective conservation and protection of natural and cultural heritage of outstanding universal value in Africa. Together with the African Members States of UNESCO and the African Union, the main aim is to develop a strategy to deal with the challenges that many African countries meet in implementing the 1972 World Heritage Convention. 

The UNESCO-designated World Heritage Sites in Africa are some of the most spectacular places on earth. The importance of preserving and promoting this cultural heritage escalates with each passing year. It is vital to raise awareness of this rich heritage while informing people of its value and gaining support for the conservation and development of these sites. We invite you to visit our website and learn more about the work of the African World Heritage Fund. Thank you!

DID YOU KNOW?

As of July 2021, Africa is underrepresented on the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List with only 139 Sites listed from 1154 in the world, thus constituting only 12% representation. However, Africa is also over-represented on the World Heritage List in Danger with 21 Sites from 52 Sites listed in danger in the world, thus constituting 40% of the List. The situation is challenging to reverse.

| News

| Events

CALL FOR PARTICIPATION: Workshop on World Heritage Interpretation and Presentation in Africa

World Heritage interpretation and presentation refer to the processes and methods of communicating the values and significance of a World Heritage site to local communities, visitors and the wider public. Interpretation and presentation are critical for the...

7TH AFRICAN WORLD HERITAGE YOUTH FORUM

The AWHF in partnership with ICCROM and the UAE Ministry of Culture & Youth are pleased to announce the 7th African World Heritage Youth Forum under the theme: “Engaging African Youth in Climate Action for World Heritage Conservation”.

AFRICAN WOLD HERITAGE FUND – VACANCY ALERT (Deadline 21 July 2023)

Closing date: 21 July 2023 The African World Heritage Fund (AWHF) was created in 2006 to support the effective conservation and protection of cultural and natural heritage of outstanding universal value in Africa. The main objective of AWHF is to address the...

Call for Applications: Conservation Grant – Deadline 11 August 2023

Closing date: 11 August 2023 The African World Heritage Fund (AWHF) was created in 2006 to support the effective conservation and protection of cultural and natural heritage of outstanding universal value in Africa. The main objective of AWHF is to address the...

Call for Applications: Moses Mapesa Education and Research Grant – Deadline 4 August 2023

Apply before 4/8 for the Moses Mapesa Education and Research Grant.

VACANCY NOTIFICATION – EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

AWHF seeks the inclusion of an Executive Director. The incumbent shall be responsible to carry out the mission of the Fund which aims to support the effective conservation and protection of natural and cultural heritage of outstanding universal value in Africa. This...

AWHF’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS AWARDS 5 CONSERVATION GRANTS AND 2 MOSES MAPESA GRANTS

AWHF is delighted to announce that the Board awarded conservation grants to 5 World Heritage conservation projects and 2 Moses Mapesa research grants in 2021-2022. This is another step forward to protect and conserve our cultural and natural heritage in Africa.

Call for Coordinator and Resource Persons: 6th African World Heritage Youth Forum – Deadline 4 September 2022

Apply before 4/9 to become the coordinator or resource person for the 6th African World Heritage Youth Forum held from 10-15 oktober at the Dja Faunal Reserve, Cameroon.

Call for Grant Evaluators

The AWHF is welcoming applications from heritage professionals to evaluate the 2022/2023 Moses Mapesa and Conservation grant. Apply before 19 august 2022.

Call for Investment Proposals – African World Heritage fund investment

The African World Heritage Fund mandates to strengthen the implementation of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention (1972) by the African State Parties. The Committee’s mandate is to shortlist applicants and present the selection report to the Board. Therefore, the Fund is inviting eligible companies to submit investment proposals for consideration by the Committee.

CELEBRATING AFRICAN WORLD HERITAGE DAY: 5 MAY 2022

Proclaimed by the 38th session of the General Conference of UNESCO, African World Heritage Day is an opportunity for people around the world, particularly Africans, to celebrate the continents outstanding cultural and natural...

HELP CHANGE THE STATUS QUO

Get the Latest News & Updates

We would like to keep you up to date with all the news. Look out for our newsletters and learn more about upcoming events and achievements.

About Us

Want to learn more about the African World Heritage Fund?

Heritage Map

See our Heritage Sites

Who are our partners?

Everyone making a difference!

Activities

Programmes and projects