Museum of African Liberation takes shape

Sunday Mail Reporter

CONSTRUCTION of the giant Museum of African Liberation in Harare is progressing well.

The museum is being constructed and managed by the Institute of African Knowledge (INSTAK).

Upon completion, it will house historical artefacts from across Africa that memorialise the continent’s liberation from colonialism.

The superstructure, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2024, will change Harare’s landscape.

INSTAK’s marketing and public relations manager Mr Joseph Nkani said:

“The construction of the Museum of African Liberation’s superstructure is going on as planned, with the contractor actively involved with planned onsite works.

“The two-year building programme is currently at 20 percent.”

A recent visit by The Sunday Mail showed that heavy earthmoving machinery is on site, with the contractor putting waterproofing material on the retaining walls.

Mr Nkani said they continue to receive pledges and assurances of artefact donations from various local, African and non-African stakeholders.

“The latest is an artefact donated by Russian President Vladimir Putin, which demonstrates the longstanding relationship between Russia and the African continent at large,” he said.

At least four non-African countries have since partnered INSTAK for the project.

“The Museum of African Liberation project continues to enjoy valuable and practical support from friendly non-African countries like Russia, Cuba, China and Switzerland.

“We have enjoyed continuous and timely resource availability from various stakeholders, which has allowed us to stay on course in our museum construction programme.”

A Heritage Village — which is part of the bigger Liberation City, where the Museum of African Liberation is being constructed — is expected to open its doors to the public this year.

The Heritage Village will consist of a vegetable market, an arts and crafts centre, an Afrocentric dining area and a huge braai centre.

“The Heritage Village is meant for heritage-based trade and merchandise, which will consist of an agricultural market, a huge braai centre and a stand-in dining area. There will also be a crafts centre for all crafts from different places in Africa,” added Mr Nkani.

The Heritage Village, which sits on a three-hectare piece of land, is meant to help small businesses from Harare West.