ZANZIBAR, July 21 -- THE annual Mwaka Kogwa Festival has been hailed as a key platform for preserving Zanzibars cultural heritage while boosting tourism and strengthening ties between Zanzibar and Mainland Tanzania.

Minister for Information, Arts, Culture and Sports, Riziki Pembe Juma, said the festival plays a vital role in safeguarding traditions of Makunduchi for future generations and promoting Zanzibars rich cultural identity.

Speaking during a four-day celebration in Makunduchi, Unguja South District, Juma urged residents to keep on welcoming visitors, noting that the festival has become an important attraction for cultural tourism.

“Preserving the customs and traditions of Mwaka Kogwa is essential for protecting our cultur...