Sidumisile Mabena
Mbulelo Mpofu
Zimbabwean mixed-media sculptor Moffat Takadiwa has claimed the prestigious grand prize at the inaugural Toyota Tsusho CFAO African Art Award, a new platform celebrating and promoting contemporary African artistic talent.
Takadiwa leads a cohort of five emerging artists recognised for their originality, relevance, and impact. The award, launched in August 2025 by Japanese trading giant Toyota Tsusho Corporation and its pan-African subsidiary CFAO, aims to support the next generation of artists while promoting resilient communities. From roughly 100 nominees recommended by 35 international curators, a shortlist of 12 was reviewed by a 10-member international jury, culminating in the selection of five winners.
In addition to Takadiwa’s Grand Prize for Mixed Media, Distinguished Awards went to Gosette Lubondo (DRC, Photography) and Unathi Mkonto (South Africa, Mixed Media), while Sponsor Awards were presented to Katlego C.L. Twala (Botswana, Painting) and Tizta Berhanu (Ethiopia, Painting).
Richard Bielle, CFAO CEO, said: “Art is not an accessory to society; it reflects, questions, and projects our future. With over 170 years in Africa, CFAO is committed to supporting diverse contemporary practices and carrying the continent’s cultural voices to the world.”
Takadiwa, a graduate of Harare Polytechnic College, is renowned for transforming everyday waste – plastic bottles, toothbrushes, computer keys, into sculptural installations that explore consumption, colonialism, and cultural identity. His work has been exhibited internationally, including at the 60th Venice Biennale (2024), São Paulo Biennale (2025), Galerie Édouard-Manet (France), Craft Contemporary (Los Angeles), and the National Gallery of Zimbabwe.
The other winners reflect Africa’s creative diversity: Lubondo captures memory and architectural spaces through photography; Mkonto combines architecture and fine art to interrogate social space; Twala is a painter with an international presence at fairs like FNB Art Joburg; and Berhanu tells complex narratives through painting in Addis Ababa, New York, and London.
Beyond accolades, each recipient will gain international exposure through exhibitions in Togo, Japan, and France, accompanied by catalogues to further document and promote their work. – Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu
Online Reporter