Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa demanded that Western museums return stolen African artifacts during a major conference in Victoria Falls. He told delegates that Africa must tell its complete story and correct false historical accounts created outside the continent. The president spoke at the Eastern and Southern Africa archives meeting where 500 experts from 16 countries gathered.
Mnangagwa said African independence remains incomplete until these cultural treasures come home to their rightful places. He argued that foreign institutions continue holding items taken illegally from African nations. The president emphasized that culture forms the foundation of national pride and drives economic growth across the continent.
Climate change threatens archive collections through floods, droughts and severe weather patterns affecting the region. Mnangagwa urged archivists to adopt new technologies like artificial intelligence to protect historical records from damage. He warned that these digital tools bring both opportunities and risks that require updated laws and policies.
The conference focused on making archives available to ordinary citizens rather than just researchers and scholars. Delegates discussed ways to preserve oral traditions and historical documents for future generations. Mnangagwa praised regional cooperation efforts that have strengthened archive management since the organization formed in 1969.
Mnangagwa said African independence remains incomplete until these cultural treasures come home to their rightful places. He argued that foreign institutions continue holding items taken illegally from African nations. The president emphasized that culture forms the foundation of national pride and drives economic growth across the continent.
Climate change threatens archive collections through floods, droughts and severe weather patterns affecting the region. Mnangagwa urged archivists to adopt new technologies like artificial intelligence to protect historical records from damage. He warned that these digital tools bring both opportunities and risks that require updated laws and policies.
The conference focused on making archives available to ordinary citizens rather than just researchers and scholars. Delegates discussed ways to preserve oral traditions and historical documents for future generations. Mnangagwa praised regional cooperation efforts that have strengthened archive management since the organization formed in 1969.
