London, United Kingdom — November 27, 2025
MJUMITA has recorded a major milestone after its Founder and Executive Director, Rahima Njaidi, won the 2025 Tusk Award for Conservation in Africa. Her victory marks the first time a Tanzanian has received this internationally recognised honour.
The award was handed to Ms. Njaidi by Prince William during the 13th Tusk Conservation Awards in London. The event celebrated individuals who have shown exceptional commitment to protecting wildlife and natural resources across the African continent. Ms. Njaidi was recognised for her groundbreaking work in empowering rural communities to manage and safeguard their forests.
A Legacy of Community-Led Conservation
For almost two decades, Ms. Njaidi has championed a model of forest management that places power and responsibility in the hands of local communities. Her efforts have focused on strengthening Community-Based Forest Management, building community capacity, advancing women’s leadership, promoting inclusion of marginalised groups, securing land rights, and restoring degraded forest landscapes.
Through MJUMITA, she has helped connect 132 community-based organisations and 503 villages across Tanzania. More than 49,000 people—many of them women and youth—have benefited from training and support offered through MJUMITA’s programmes, leading to improved livelihoods and stronger local governance systems.
Impact in Numbers
Under her guidance, MJUMITA has advanced a range of practical initiatives, including benefit-sharing arrangements under REDD+, sustainable charcoal production, participatory land-use planning, and the restoration of forest ecosystems. These activities have increased community income and funded local development projects, including schools, health centers, and small enterprises.
This approach has demonstrated that conservation can improve people’s lives while protecting natural resources for future generations.
Njaidi’s Reaction
Speaking after receiving the award, Ms. Njaidi expressed gratitude to her colleagues and the communities she serves.
“This award is both humbling and inspiring. It affirms the efforts of my colleagues and the dedication of the communities we work with, who tirelessly place themselves at the heart of forest management and conservation. Investing in communities is investing in conservation, resilience, and hope.â€
Recognition From Global Leaders
Prince William praised this year’s honourees for their leadership and practical solutions to environmental challenges:
“Tonight, reminds us that our planet continues to face significant environmental challenges. Indigenous and local conservation leaders provide the practical solutions needed to protect our natural landscapes and vital biodiversity.â€
Tusk CEO Nick Bubb noted that the award highlights the growing impact of African-led conservation efforts, while Hendrik du Toit of Ninety-One described the protection of biodiversity as crucial to the world’s future.
About the Tusk Conservation Awards
Founded in 2013, the Tusk Conservation Awards recognise outstanding contributions to wildlife protection and natural resource stewardship in Africa. Since then, 57 conservationists from more than 20 countries have been honoured. Winners receive financial support to expand the work of their organisations.
A Win for Tanzania
MJUMITA has hailed Ms. Njaidi’s recognition as a proud moment for the nation. The award raises Tanzania’s profile in global conservation and underscores the role of rural communities in driving sustainable development.
The achievement also reflects the dedication and resilience of people across the country who continue to protect forests, restore landscapes, and ensure that natural resources remain a foundation for economic and social progress.
