Online Reporter
Africa Moyo
Deputy National Editor
Zimbabwe’s participation at the 17th NASFEST International Youth Cultural Festival in Malawi has been hailed as a major success, with officials highlighting its impact on cultural diplomacy, youth empowerment and regional integration.
The week-long festival, which ran from April 26 until yesterday, brought together more than 500 young people and cultural groups from across Africa, including Zimbabwe, Malawi, South Africa, Zambia and Botswana.
Held under the themes “Fire of Culture” (Moto wa Chikhalidwe) and “Create, Connect, Conserve”, the event provided a vibrant platform for cultural exchange, unity and innovation among the continent’s youth.
Zimbabwe was represented by the acclaimed Hwamanda Dance Troupe, a Mufakose-based traditional ensemble with over 20 years of experience performing at international festivals.
The group delivered energetic and captivating performances featuring dances such as Jerusarema, Muchongoyo, Dinhe, Marimba music and Madanhi, earning enthusiastic applause from audiences and fellow participants.
The delegation was accompanied by senior Government officials, including Principal Arts and Culture officers Ian Nyamundanda and Linda Chitopo from the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, as well as Florence Mtisi from the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion.
Their presence elevated Zimbabwe’s participation and underscored the Government’s commitment to using culture as a tool for diplomacy and economic development. The festival opened at Sunbird Livingstonia in Salima before moving to the Lilongwe Botanical Gardens for the main events, which featured live music, fashion showcases, art exhibitions, networking sessions and a colourful street carnival. Malawi’s Minister of Youth, Arts and Culture, Alfred Gangata, officially opened the festival on April 30, stressing the importance of positioning young people at the centre of development and recognising the arts sector as a key driver of employment and foreign currency generation.
National Youth Council of Malawi chief executive officer Rhoda Gadama Misomali encouraged young people to embrace their cultural heritage and use it as a foundation for innovation and enterprise, urging them to “go beyond celebrating culture and instead use it to create enterprises and strengthen connections across borders”.
Zimbabwe’s Deputy Chief of Mission to Malawi Mr Trueman Moyo, together with other senior officials from both countries, attended the official opening.
Beyond performances, the Zimbabwean delegation participated in a cultural exchange programme that included a visit to the Kamuzu Mausoleum in Lilongwe, the final resting place of Malawi’s first President, Dr Hastings Kamuzu Banda.
The visit offered valuable insights into Malawi’s history and cultural identity, enriching the overall festival experience.
Zimbabwe’s strong showing at NASFEST not only showcased the richness and diversity of its traditional arts but also reinforced its commitment to regional cooperation and youth development.
The country’s participation demonstrated how culture can serve as a powerful bridge for building connections, fostering mutual understanding and unlocking opportunities for young people across Africa.
