MOFCOM provides $9.7 million grant for Ngorongoro-Lengai Geopark Project

Project narrative

In 2023, China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) and the Government of Tanzania signed a $9.7 million grant agreement for the Ngorongoro-Lengai Geopark Project. The purpose of the project is the construction of tourism infrastructure in Miamba (Geopark), including a large and modern geological museum, guest toilets in the Empakaai crater, tourist viewing platforms in the areas of Empakaai, Seneto, and Oldoinyo Lengai, and a dedicated facility for visitors to explore ancient footprints in Laetoli. The Geopark is situated in the Northern Circuit of Tanzania (East Africa). It encompasses the Arusha districts of Ngorongoro, Karatu, and Monduli. The Serengeti National Park borders the area to the north and north-west, Lake Natron to the east, the left arm of the Great Rift Valley to the south, and Maswa Game Reserve to the west. The Geopark spans about 12,000 sq. km (4,634 sq. miles) and has a resident population of around 250,000 people, the vast majority of whom are Maasai. China Railway 25th Bureau Group Co., Ltd. is the contractor responsible for project implementation. A project kickoff meeting took place in Beijing on May 11, 2023. Then, in July 2024, the two governments signed a project implementation agreement. The project was originally scheduled to reach completion in June 2025.