NCAA Sets Strategic Plan to Improve Infrastructure After Winning 2025 Africa’s Leading Tourist Attraction Award

 

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) has announced a comprehensive plan to enhance its infrastructure, including road networks and tourist services, following its recognition as Africa’s Leading Tourist Attraction for 2025 by the World Travel Awards (WTA).



Speaking on Monday, June 30, 2025, shortly after officiating a promotion and swearing-in ceremony for newly appointed senior officers, NCAA Conservation Commissioner Abdul-Razaq Badru emphasized that the prestigious award marks a turning point in NCAA’s efforts to strengthen conservation, boost tourism, and improve local community development.

“This award is a tremendous honor for Tanzania and for the NCAA. It affirms the great work being done by our staff and stakeholders, and it motivates us to accelerate improvements in infrastructure—including roads, information centers, tourist accommodation, and safety facilities,” said Commissioner Badru.

He further revealed that NCAA is finalizing a new digital payment system, allowing tourists and stakeholders to make payments seamlessly from anywhere in the world without relying on intermediaries.

“In addition to infrastructure upgrades, we are about to launch a new tourism product that will soon enter the market. It will create learning and engagement opportunities for tourism stakeholders. Our goal is to elevate the NCAA brand, making it more trusted and recognized globally,” he noted.

Commissioner Badru projected that with the planned improvements and the upcoming tourism product, the number of visitors to Ngorongoro is expected to double within the next two to three years, thus contributing significantly to both economic and social development, especially for the surrounding communities.

Promotion of Senior Conservation Officers

Earlier during the official ceremony, seven senior conservation officers were sworn in. The Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr. Pindi Chana, presided over the event and urged the newly promoted officers to perform their duties with integrity, professionalism, and commitment to conservation.

“When you wear these military-style ranks, you must show a genuine commitment to serve and protect the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. These ranks come with serious responsibilities that require dedication and accountability,” said Dr. Chana.

She stressed that leadership requires preparation, training, and the willingness to learn and adapt. “A paramilitary system is important from the bottom up. You cannot lead professionals in a field you do not understand. Without that foundation, the institution will falter.”

The Minister assured that the Board of Directors would continue to work closely with NCAA management to ensure stable leadership guided by ethics, competence, and a long-term vision. “You are now the bearers of renewed institutional hope. Let us show the world that NCAA has the right people,” she concluded.

List of Promoted Officers

The two officers promoted directly by the Minister are:

  • Joas John Makwati, promoted to Deputy Commissioner for Conservation, Tourism, and Community Development (formerly Senior Assistant Conservation Commissioner).

  • Aidan Paul Makalla, promoted to Deputy Commissioner for Corporate Services.

The following officers were promoted by NCAA Board Chairman, Retired General Venance Mabeyo:

  • Gasper Stanley Lyimo, Senior Assistant Conservation Commissioner for Planning and Investment

  • Paul Geofrey Shaidi, Senior Assistant Conservation Commissioner for Legal Services

  • Charles Marwa Wangwe, Senior Assistant Conservation Commissioner for Finance and Accounting

  • Godwin Felician Kashaga, Senior Assistant Conservation Commissioner for Internal Audit

  • Mariam Kobelo, promoted from Principal Conservation Officer for Tourism and Marketing to Senior Assistant Conservation Commissioner

In his remarks, Commissioner Badru noted that all NCAA staff have undergone military-style training as part of a transition from a civilian structure, enhancing discipline and operational efficiency. He affirmed that the Authority will continue optimizing its human resource capabilities to strengthen conservation, tourism services, and community engagement.

Retired General Mabeyo, Chairman of the NCAA Board of Directors, emphasized that the future success of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area depends heavily on the integrity and competence of its leadership. He called on the newly promoted officers to carry the responsibility of fulfilling NCAA’s conservation and tourism development goals.

He also praised the Minister, the Government, and tourism stakeholders for their continued support—stressing that their contributions played a key role in Ngorongoro being named Africa’s top tourist attraction for 2025.

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