Zimbabwe Leads Effort to Establish Museum of African Liberation Showcasing Continent’s Rich History and Culture
Zimbabwe is leading a bold initiative aimed at celebrating Africa’s rich history of liberation struggles and cultural heritage by spearheading the establishment of the Museum of African Liberation.
In collaboration with the Pan-African organization, the Institute of African Knowledge (INSTAK), Zimbabwe seeks to construct a Pan-African facility that will serve as a beacon of African unity and resilience.
His Excellency Mr. Elias M. Magosi, the Executive Secretary of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), recently met with Ambassador Simbarashe Mumbengegwi, the Special Envoy of President Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe, to discuss the proposed establishment of the museum.
Ambassador Mumbengegwi conveyed President Mnangagwa’s message, expressing Zimbabwe’s desire to garner support from SADC Member States for the project.
The Museum of African Liberation aims to showcase the diverse history of African liberation struggles, highlighting the continent’s journey towards freedom and self-determination. It aligns with SADC’s objectives of preserving and enhancing the region’s cultural and historical heritage, as outlined in the SADC Treaty.
During the meeting, a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was presented, outlining areas of mutual agreement and diplomatic support for the museum’s construction. This includes contributions of archival materials from SADC Member States for exhibition in the museum.
Situated on a 103-hectare site known as Liberation City, located just southwest of Zimbabwe’s capital city Harare, the museum will be the centerpiece of a larger complex.
Liberation City, envisioned as a new city within Harare, will feature not only the museum but also a 5-star hotel, amusement park, theme park, animal park, and various national monuments, including a heritage village.
Ambassador Mumbengegwi, accompanied by key officials including Ambassador Batiraishe Henry Mukonoweshuro and Ambassador Errol Edgar Tapiwa Muzavazi, emphasized the potential of Liberation City to become a premier tourist destination, catering to local, regional, and international visitors interested in history, heritage, and recreation.
The meeting concluded with plans for further engagements between SADC, INSTAK, and the Zimbabwean Embassy in Botswana to finalize the project details and MoU.
With construction already underway, the Museum of African Liberation is set to become a symbol of African pride and resilience, inviting visitors to explore the continent’s rich tapestry of history and culture.
Source: SADC Secretariat
