By Wallace Mawire
A significant meeting was held on 9 June 2025 at the headquarters of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP) in Havana, bringing together top officials from ICAP and Zimbabwe’s Institute of African Knowledge (INSTAK) to endorse a strategic partnership to preserve Africa’s liberation legacy and heritage.
The engagement marked a pivotal moment in strengthening bilateral ties and formaliaing a partnership dedicated to preserving the shared liberation heritage of Cuba and Africa.
The Zimbabwean delegation, led by Ambassador Kwame Muzawazi, the CEO of Instak, and Brigadier-General Million Ndlovu of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, was warmly received by Fernando González Llort, President of ICAP, Hero of the Republic of Cuba, and one of the last surviving veterans of the historic Battle of Cuito Cuanavale. He was joined by fellow national hero and ICAP senior official Gerardo Hernández Nordelo, along with Vice-President Víctor Gaute López and Director for Africa and the Middle East Yahimí Rodríguez Flores.
The meeting highlighted the deep historical bonds between Cuba and Africa, forged during the liberation struggles of the 20th century.
Delegates agreed on the urgency of documenting Cuba’s critical role in Africa’s fight for independence—particularly through its involvement in Angola.
To that end, both institutions resolved to co-author a comprehensive historical publication that would serve as a lasting record and educational resource for future generations.
In support of this initiative, INSTAK committed a contribution of US$5,000, to be channelled through Zimbabwe’s Embassy in Cuba.
The project is to be closely linked with Havana’s Africa Park, a site honouring African liberation heroes, where a statue of Zimbabwe’s founding President, Robert Mugabe, will soon be unveiled.
The Zimbabwean delegation was officially invited to the ceremony, which will underscore Cuba’s continued solidarity with Africa.
González also paid tribute to Zimbabwe’s efforts in preserving liberation history, particularly through the Museum of African Liberation in Harare.
Supported by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr Emmerson D Mnangagwa, the Museum is a flagship project under the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and a central platform for documenting Africa’s path to independence.
The ICAP President also commended Ambassador Muzawazi’s Guinness World Record for the longest lecture, inspired by Fidel Castro’s legendary speeches at the United Nations.
Ambassador Muzawazi extended a reciprocal invitation for ICAP to visit the Museum and participate in its programming.
Beyond the publication that will document Cuba’s legacy in Africa, the parties pledged to broaden their collaboration to include joint research, cultural exchange, and advocacy to promote historical truth, identity, and heritage.
The meeting marked a decisive step in institutional cooperation, reaffirming the shared revolutionary values and historical solidarity between Cuba and Zimbabwe.
Both ICAP and INSTAK committed to ensuring that the legacy of liberation remains a living narrative for generations to come.
