Online Reporter
Tendai Rupapa in PARIS, France
THE curtain came down on the UNESCO Africa Week in Paris, France on Wednesday night with First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa and the Zimbabwe team of exhibitors, delivering their best in a combined national effort that will remain in the minds of many for years to come.
The First Lady was invited by UNESCO as their guest of honour.
During her visit to France, Dr Mnangagwa was invited to meet the First Lady of France, Mrs Brigitte Macron at her palace.
The two First Ladies held an hour-long meeting with their discussions covering tourism, wildlife, agriculture, child pregnancies, child protection and women empowerment, among others.
They exchanged notes relating to the work they do with women, children and youths in their countries.
The two First Ladies shared information on challenges facing youths, especially young girls.
Madame Macron also noted that early child pregnancies were being recorded in France.
Amai Mnangagwa extended an invitation to Mrs Macron to visit Zimbabwe, a gesture she gladly accepted.
This dovetailed with the call by Dr Mnangagwa for First Ladies to meet regularly on their own outside their spouses’ programmes to focus on issues of mutual interest and share notes on several subjects as mothers of nations.
Dr Mnangagwa also extended warm greetings from the people of Zimbabwe and His Excellency, the President of Zimbabwe.
In the cordial meeting, Madame Macron expressed strong interest in hearing more about Amai Mnangagwa’s charity work, tourism and wildlife and the protection of endangered species.
Dr Mnangagwa then spoke about her work, which she conducts through her Angel of Hope Foundation.
She also gave insight into what Zimbabwe has in terms of agriculture and wildlife.
Amai Mnangagwa is the wildlife ambassador as well as the Agric4She patron.
Dr Mnangagwa complemented France’s beauty, cultural heritage, food and the country’s continued support for development initiatives in Africa.
UNESCO, which is headquartered in France, is supporting the refurbishment and restoration of the Great Zimbabwe and Matopos.
French scientists are also protecting and researching rock paintings at Matopos.
These developments, the First Lady said, were important for the preservation of Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage.
As tourism ambassador, Dr Mnangagwa further spoke about the country’s tourist destinations.
As guest of honour during the conference, Dr Mnangagwa turned on the heat and delivered a powerful speech which resonated with the aspirations of Africa, earning her a standing ovation.
Those who were showcasing Zimbabwe’s indigenous dishes became the toast of the celebrations as nearly everyone sought to taste the food, which has high nutritional value and medicinal properties.
The traditional ensemble also gave their all, capping it with a gala dubbed “cultural night of expressions” flying the Zimbabwean flag high, wearing traditional outfits like kilts, crowns (ngundu) as well as traditional leg and wristbands made from cattle hides and rattles, while wielding mock spears and knobkerries in a manner that gave the image of African warriors in combat.
Not to be outdone, fashion designers showcased their artistry and versatility in fashioning outfits from locally available materials.
This came as the mother of the nation received special commendation at the 2025 edition of the Africa Week where the body acknowledged Africa’s power in preserving its culture and heritage sites for the benefit of future generations.
Previously, addressing guests, UNESCO deputy director-general Mr Xing Qu thanked the First Lady for honouring the invitation and her initiatives aimed at protecting Africa’s rich cultural heritage.
He said there was visible progress in the preservation of African properties and heritage.
Mr Xing said the Africa Week was about “recognising the power of the continent that has never ceased to create, share, and support.
“We will continue to work to ensure the full recognition, protection, and transmission of the continent’s main heritage and its restoration.
“We are training youths in heritage conservation and preservation. At UNESCO we ensure the preservation of this rich heritage,” he said.
In her instalment, Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to France, Spain, Portugal and the Vatican, Dr Sekai Nzenza, said she was in community and solidarity on a critical theme adopted by the African Union this year, calling for global solidarity for the restitution and restoration of African heritage.
“Africa’s heritage is a promise for the future, but that future has many challenges. Among them, climate change, food insecurity, pandemics, early marriage, substance abuse, there are many challenges. But ladies and gentlemen, there is hope.
“In looking at African heritage and looking at the wisdom that comes from indigenous knowledge systems, we see solutions. In Zimbabwe, the First Lady of Zimbabwe, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa has identified that it’s really important for us to look back as Africans at the values and the wisdom of our ancestors, of our heritage.
“In those values, we find ways to reclaim, to protect, also to recreate our presence in order for us to look to the future. This knowledge of our ancestors, we deeply root it in our heritage. It inspires us, gives us the education to look to the future,” she said.
That unity, Ambassador Nzenza said, helps to celebrate Ubuntu (being humane).
“In Shona, our language would say hunhu, but in most places across Africa, its Ubuntu, the African philosophy that unites us as a people. Ladies and gentlemen, let us rise together as Africans, in collaboration with the international community to embrace our heritage and our future, which is deeply rooted in pride, unity, and global solidarity,” she said.
Speaking at the same event, Chairperson of UNESCO’s Executive Board Ms Vera El Khoury Lacoeuilhe enjoined guests to focus on the need to bring global solidarity for the research on the African heritage, school culture, education and science.
“I feel I am speaking to a big family, Africa, your spirit, your strength and your unity inspire us deeply. Year after year, I have witnessed your journey in this organisation. You are one continent organised and united,” she said.
The African continent and the African Diaspora, she said, have taken their rightful place, as well themselves, not only within this institution but on the global stage.
“Africa Week has become more than just an event. It is a celebration that we all eagerly anticipate. It is a week that reflects the richness of your culture, the beauty of your heritage and the vibrancy of your artistic expressions.
“From the rhythm of your music to the richness of the culture’s profession, from the traditions of the diverse cuisine to the profound wisdom of your art, this week allows the world to see, hear, taste and feel the heartbeats of Africa. And as we leave it, through this celebration, you will remind us that Africa is not just a continent, but a source of inspiration and guide for all of us,” she said.
Dr Philemon Mjwara, Ambassador and permanent delegate of South Africa to UNESCO, gave a special tribute to Amai Mnangagwa for gracing the event.
“On behalf of the Africa Group and all permanent delegates of our group at UNESCO, I wish to express our sincere appreciation and deep gratitude to Her Excellency the First Lady of Zimbabwe Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa for honouring us with your presence. Your presence means a lot to us. Africa Week is a highlight of UNESCO calendar.
“It is about restoring dignity, confidence and the fabric of our history. This edition emphasises the importance of cultural heritage and the need to cultivate a generation that embraces our culture and heritage,” he said.
The music gala held on Wednesday night afforded attendees unforgettable memories with performers from different African countries battling to prove their mettle on stage.
The modelling segment was on point with contestants showcasing African beauty and colourful costumes made by the top designers on the continent.
Zimbabwe gave a well-polished act that left other performers drooling with envy as much of the audience was glued to their act.
