TANZANIAN tour operators are raising alarms about the growing foreign influence in the Mount Kilimanjaro trekking industry, which they fear is undermining local businesses and jeopardising the livelihoods of Tanzanian porters. The concerns centre around the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP), a key player in the industry, whose stringent ethical guidelines are being criticised for disproportionately benefiting foreign companies at the expense of local operators.
Yona Samwel, the owner of Almighty Kilimanjaro Ltd., voiced his frustration, stating, ‘KPAP’s influence is making it increasingly difficult for us to compete. We’re being forced to align with KPAP’s rules or risk losing our business. This situation benefits foreign companies at our expense.’
Tourism hotspot under pressure
Mount Kilimanjaro, a world-renowned tourist destination, draws around 56,000 climbers each year, generating about $50 million in revenue. Tourism is a vital part of Tanzania’s economy, contributing 19 percent to its GDP and accounting for 25 percent of the country’s foreign exchange earnings. However, the growing tension between local and foreign operators threatens to disrupt this crucial sector.
Kelvin Salla, CEO of the Kilimanjaro Responsible Trekking Organization (KRTO), which oversees KPAP, denied allegations that the guidelines are unfairly biased. He emphasised that KPAP’s mission is to ensure the ethical treatment of all trekking crews, including porters, by enforcing standards related to gear, wages, and working conditions.
Despite these assurances, local operators argue that the KPAP standards are overly burdensome and have led to a significant drop in business. They claim that foreign travel agents are increasingly partnering with KPAP-certified companies, most of which are foreign-owned, leaving local businesses struggling to survive.
‘KPAP has labelled many local companies as irresponsible,’ said Samwel. ‘This has caused a significant drop in business, as foreign agents now only partner with KPAP-certified companies. This puts our livelihoods at serious risk.’
Foreign vs. local company disparity
Currently, KPAP lists 150 companies as compliant with its standards, of which 105 are foreign-owned and only 45 are local. Local operators argue that this disparity violates Tanzania’s Tourism Act, which is intended to protect the mountain climbing and trekking industry for local businesses.
‘The law is clear—this industry is supposed to be dominated by local businesses,’ Samwel asserted. ‘But KPAP’s actions are enabling foreign companies to take over, effectively pushing us out of our own market.’
The situation is not only affecting business owners but also raising serious concerns among Kilimanjaro porters, who rely on these expeditions for their livelihood. With local companies struggling, many porters fear widespread unemployment.
‘Our porters are losing jobs at an alarming rate,’ said Edson Mpemba, a leader among Kilimanjaro porters. ‘If local companies collapse, thousands of porters will be left jobless. This is not just a business issue—it’s about the survival of those who depend on this mountain.’
Porters’ plight
Porters play a crucial role in the success of Kilimanjaro expeditions, often carrying heavy loads and ensuring the safety and well-being of climbers. Despite their importance, many porters are underpaid and work in challenging conditions.
‘We work so hard, but our wages are meagre,’ said Juma Abdallah, a porter from Kiraracha village. ‘Some companies neglect our well-being entirely.’
The Tanzania Porters Organisation (TPO) has echoed these concerns, criticising KPAP’s growing influence over the industry.
‘They’re trying to control the entire tourism business. It is an insult to us,’ said Loshiye Mollel, TPO’s executive secretary.
Government silence
While the concerns of local operators and porters grow louder, the Tanzanian government has remained largely silent on the issue. Theresa Mugobi, Director of Tourism at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, declined to comment, leaving many in the industry feeling unsupported.
The growing foreign dominance in the Kilimanjaro trekking industry has sparked a debate about the future of Tanzania’s tourism sector. As local businesses struggle to compete and porters fear for their livelihoods, the call for a more balanced approach to industry regulation is becoming increasingly urgent.
Local operators are urging the government and relevant authorities to review KPAP’s influence and ensure that the regulations governing the trekking industry do not disproportionately disadvantage Tanzanian businesses. They argue that preserving the local character of Kilimanjaro tourism is essential not only for economic reasons but also for maintaining the cultural and social fabric of the region.
As the situation unfolds, the future of Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro trekking industry hangs in the balance. The need for fair and equitable policies that protect local businesses and workers while maintaining ethical standards is more pressing than ever. Without intervention, the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro could become a battleground for competing interests, with the livelihoods of many Tanzanians at stake.
