Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania
Afrikan Indigenous Leaders (AIL) is proud to announce the participation of its Founder and Global President, Princess Dr Nikiwe Bam, at the Maasai Cultural Tourism Festival, held from 24–26 June 2026 in Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania.
Princess Dr Bam attended the festival in her capacity as the Ambassador of the Maasai Cultural Tourism Festival, a role she was entrusted with in 2025 during the C20 Summit in South Africa, where Maasai traditional leaders from Tanzania participated in the C20 Working Group on Cultural Diversity Recognition and Embracement, contributing their voices to global discussions on the recognition, protection and promotion of indigenous cultures.
Held under the theme “Our Culture Is Our Pride,” the festival brought together traditional leaders, cultural practitioners, tourism stakeholders, community members and visitors to celebrate the rich heritage of the Maasai people and demonstrate the important role of culture in community development, tourism and preserving indigenous knowledge.
One of the major highlights of the festival was the gathering of Maasai traditional leaders under the leadership of Senior Chief Isack LeKisongo. During this gathering, a Maasai Heritage Site was officially launched. The site will serve as a permanent place for meetings, dialogue and strategic discussions on matters affecting the Maasai community, while preserving and showcasing the genealogy and succession of Maasai traditional leadership for future generations.
The festival also marked the launch of an education programme aimed at expanding educational opportunities for Maasai children and communities. Traditional leaders and stakeholders further reaffirmed their commitment to ending child marriage, recognising that every child deserves access to quality education, equal opportunities and the chance to realise their full potential.
Afrikan Indigenous Leaders commends the organisers and the traditional leadership for ensuring that the festival remains a platform that not only celebrates culture but also addresses critical social issues affecting indigenous communities.
AIL further calls upon the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania and development partners to increase their support for community-led cultural initiatives such as the Maasai Cultural Tourism Festival. These initiatives contribute significantly to promoting Tanzania as a premier cultural tourism destination, strengthening diplomatic and cultural relations with other countries, creating opportunities for local communities, and preserving the country’s rich indigenous heritage.
Insufficient support for such initiatives limits the opportunities available to the very communities they are intended to benefit. Greater investment in indigenous cultural programmes will strengthen local economies, expand tourism, empower traditional institutions and create sustainable opportunities for young people, women and community enterprises.
Princess Dr Bam reaffirmed Afrikan Indigenous Leaders’ commitment to working alongside traditional leaders, governments and development partners to advance indigenous knowledge systems, cultural diplomacy, education, community development and the preservation of Africa’s diverse cultural heritage.
Issued by:Afrikan Indigenous Leaders (AIL)Office of the Founder and Global President
