UNESCO to host exhibition on African history and contributions

UNESCO will host an exhibition titled ‘Heritages and Contributions of Africa to the Progress of Humanity’ at its headquarters in Paris. Opening on 17 September, the exhibition will remain on display until September 2026.

Drawing from the landmark ‘General History of Africa’ series, the showcase utilizes archival documents, photographs, maps, and audiovisual materials to explore African history and its diasporas. Key themes include the scientific traditions of Timbuktu, the civilizations of Aksum and Great Zimbabwe, the Haitian Revolution, Pan-African movements, and the struggle against apartheid.

The exhibition marks a significant milestone for the ‘General History of Africa’ project, which has expanded to eleven volumes. The project aims to present African history from African perspectives, moving away from Eurocentric colonial narratives to position the continent as a central, interconnected part of global history. The event is also expected to build momentum for the fourth Biennale of Luanda, scheduled for October in Angola.