Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, Victoria Falls Reporter
PRESIDENT MNANGAGWA is today expected to officially open the 28th edition of the Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Branch of the International Council on Archives (ESARBICA) Conference in Victoria Falls.
The conference, which began on Monday, aims to shape the future of archival science in Africa under the theme: “Archives are Accessible — Archives for Everyone.”
In an interview with Zimpapers, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Ambassador Raphael Faranisi, said the President’s presence underscores the Government’s commitment to preserving and modernising national archives.
“His Excellency President Mnangagwa is set to officially open this ESARBICA conference here tomorrow (today). His presence will signify the Government’s commitment to preserving and modernising our national archives.
“The opening ceremony will begin at 9:50am with a briefing by the Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, before the main event commences. We expect President Mnangagwa to deliver the keynote address and officially open the conference, marking a significant milestone for Zimbabwe’s archival sector,” said Ambassador Faranisi.
Hosted by the National Archives of Zimbabwe in partnership with the International Council on Archives (ICA), the ESARBICA Conference has brought together archivists, researchers, and policymakers from across Africa to address key issues such as digital transformation, climate resilience and community engagement in archival practices.
With over 50 presentations scheduled across four days, the event covers themes including disruptive technologies, artificial intelligence in records management, and the repatriation of migrated archives. Notable sessions include discussions on cloud-based digital preservation, ethical AI use and strategies for inclusive archival access.
The conference opened with a pre-conference workshop focused on training junior archivists in disaster and risk reduction strategies for libraries and archives, particularly in the context of climate change.
Dr Thatayaone Segaetsho, a lecturer from the University of Botswana, led the session, equipping junior professionals from 16 nations with critical skills to safeguard Africa’s cultural heritage from environmental threats.
On Tuesday, attention turned to the application of ICTs in records management. Dr Segomotso Keakopa, an EDRMS consultant from Botswana, guided participants through automation and digitisation strategies. These workshops laid the foundation for the main conference, highlighting the region’s commitment to technological advancement in archival practices.
In an exclusive interview, the Director of the National Archives of Zimbabwe, Ms Brenda Mamvura, said the country has made significant progress in modernising its records management systems.
“We are happy to announce that, as Zimbabwe — or as the National Archives of Zimbabwe — we have a company that won the tender to implement our Electronic Document and Records Management System (EDRMS). This year, we will embrace this technology, piloting it in three key ministries: the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Public Service, and the Office of the President and Cabinet,” said Ms Mamvura.
She revealed that US$3 million has been allocated for the EDRMS, with 60 percent of the procurement process already completed.
“By December 2025, we expect the system to be fully operational. The benefits are immense and include systems integration, improved efficiency, and faster service delivery for Government institutions and parastatals,” she said.
Ms Mamvura said that Zimbabwe’s active participation in ESARBICA and the ICA ensures alignment with global standards.
“Being part of ESARBICA allows us to share ideas, forge partnerships, and collaborate on data migration and artificial intelligence investments. This conference is a platform for benchmarking and learning from regional peers,” she said.
As the conference progresses, attendees will also participate in an ESARBICA business meeting on Friday, where resolutions from the pre-conference and main sessions will be presented, and a new executive board will be elected.
The event will conclude with an excursion, offering participants the opportunity to experience the natural wonders of Victoria Falls.
With President Mnangagwa’s opening address set to inspire the archival community, Zimbabwe reaffirms its commitment to preserving its heritage while embracing innovation.
