Tanzania is working to maintain the ruins of the colonial era in and around Bagamoyo and to revitalize the town. In 2006, the department applied for World Heritage Site status, in the cultural category. The Bagamoyo College of Arts (“Chuo cha Sanaa”) has been an internationally famous arts college in Tanzania, teaching traditional Tanzanian painting, sculpture, drama, dancing, and drumming. In 2007 based on the college, the Bagamoyo Arts and Cultural Institute (TaSUBa) was established. Its history and proximity to Dar es Salaam has led Bagamoyo to be more diverse than some other areas of the country. Bagamoyo is home to many ethnic groups, including the Wakwere, Wazaramo, Wazigua, Maasai, and Waswahili. Although Swahili culture dominates, many different cultures coexist in Bagamoyo, including people of Arab descent. In 2018, the new port construction began that will transform the area. Transport Port In 2013, a large two berth intermodal container deepwater port terminal was proposed by Tanzanian government. Called Bagamoyo Port, it will be constructed at Mbegani, near Bagamoyo. China planned to invest US$10B to make Bagamoyo the most important port in Africa by 2017. The port is part of the Maritime Silk Road. In 2018, the project got the go ahead and work started in about June/July. It will be built in association with the state-owned China Merchants Port, it will include a special economic zone. The US$ 10bn project is backed by an Omani sovereign wealth fund. In 2019 Tanzanian President John Magufuli announced the suspension of the project. Public transport Bagamoyo is served by the Bagamoyo Daladala stand near Bagamoyo road south east of Bagamoyo. Education Bagamoyo hosts the Bagamoyo Arts and Cultural Institute. Notable inhabitants Sewa Haji Paroo, 19th century businessman of Indian origin Julian Scherner, German Nazi Party official and a high-ranking member in the SS Hukwe Zawose, Tanzanian traditional musician Twin towns and sister cities Vallejo, California Gallery See also List of Panamax ports List of former national capitals Bagamoyo Arts and Cultural Institute Historic Swahili Settlements References External links Bagamoyo history Bagamoyo photos Unveiling Zanzibar's unhealed wounds Swahili people Swahili city-states Swahili culture Populated places in Pwani Region Economy of German East Africa Former colonial capitals Port cities in Tanzania Bagamoyo District