Online Reporter
Features & Supplements Writer
The Government has hailed the Institute of African Knowledge as a strategic national asset whose work is advancing Zimbabwe’s development agenda while strengthening regional integration and Africa’s intellectual renaissance.
Delivering the keynote address at INSTAK’s 10th Anniversary celebrations at Liberation City in Harare yesterday, Vice President Kembo Mohadi congratulated the institution on reaching the milestone, describing its first decade as “a defining chapter in the history of a nation and, indeed, a continent”.
Addressing the anniversary theme, “Celebrating a Decade of Advancing African Knowledge, Heritage and Liberation”, the Vice President said INSTAK had demonstrated how knowledge, culture and heritage can become powerful drivers of sustainable development.
“Today, we are not merely celebrating the anniversary of an institution. We are celebrating an idea and a vision. Above all, we are celebrating Africa’s continuing determination to reclaim ownership of its history, knowledge, heritage and future,” he said.
Vice President Mohadi situated INSTAK’s establishment within Africa’s broader historical journey, noting that while the think tank was founded in 2016, its intellectual roots lie in the continent’s centuries-long struggle against slavery, colonialism and neo-colonialism.
He said political independence had restored territorial sovereignty, but intellectual sovereignty remained an unfinished task that institutions such as INSTAK were helping Africa to reclaim.
The Vice President reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that preserve liberation heritage, strengthen research, promote cultural diplomacy and celebrate African civilisation, saying these complement President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 and contribute to the realisation of the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
He commended INSTAK’s achievements, including the publication of the Africa Factbook, which was endorsed by African leaders at the 2016 African Union Summit in Kigali, Rwanda, as well as its growing portfolio of research, educational programmes, heritage projects and continental partnerships.
Vice President Mohadi also praised the collaboration between Government and INSTAK as an outstanding example of a successful public-private partnership.
“This partnership demonstrates that successful public-private partnerships extend well beyond roads, bridges and energy infrastructure,” he said.
“Knowledge, heritage and culture are equally strategic investments that contribute to national development.”
He highlighted Liberation City as one of the institution’s most transformative initiatives, describing it as an integrated centre for heritage, education, tourism, hospitality, diplomacy and commerce.
At its heart is the Museum of African Liberation, which he said would preserve the history and sacrifices of liberation movements across the continent while serving as a symbol of Pan-African unity.
The Vice President also recognised President Mnangagwa’s continued support for the project, including according to Liberation City national project status and appointing Ambassador Simbarashe Mumbengegwi as Special Envoy on the Museum of African Liberation.
Through extensive diplomatic engagements, Ambassador Mumbengegwi has secured support from at least 22 Heads of State and Government.
Vice President Mohadi paid tribute to INSTAK board chairperson, Professor Simbi Veke Mubako, for his strategic leadership and to founder and chief executive officer Ambassador Kwame Muzawazi for transforming a bold vision into one of Africa’s leading knowledge, policy and heritage institutions.
Looking to the future, he urged the Government, academia, the private sector and development partners to deepen collaboration in advancing African knowledge, preserving African heritage and building institutions capable of serving future generations.
“The first decade has laid a strong foundation,” he said. “The next must be about consolidation, innovation and greater continental impact as we build an Africa that is proud of its past, confident in its present and ambitious for its future.”
