AWF Celebrates 60th Anniversary and Mkapa Photography Awards Exhibition in Zimbabwe

The Benjamin Mkapa African Wildlife Photography Awards showcase and gala reception at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Harare honor AWF's rich history in conservation

(HARARE, ZIMBABWE — June 21, 2022) The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF), in partnership with Nature’s Best Photography, on June 21, 2022 hosted the Benjamin Mkapa African Wildlife Photography Awards Exhibition in celebration of AWF’s 60th anniversary in Harare, Zimbabwe. The prestigious event was held at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe.

The event was graced by Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Permanent Secretary Munesushe Munodawafa, environmental management organizations, captains of industry and commerce, and development partners, among other high-level officials.

“This gala and photo exhibition provide us an opportunity to look back at the progress that AWF has made in the past 60 years, not just in Zimbabwe but across Africa. We remain committed to supporting the government and people of Zimbabwe in leveraging their rich biodiversity to alleviate poverty and inequality through interventions that are predicated on principles of African leadership, empowerment, inclusivity, innovation, human rights, equitable sharing of conservation benefits, and harmony between wildlife and human needs,” said AWF Country Director, Zimbabwe Olivia Mufute

The photography exhibition, which opened on May 12, 2022, will run until June 30, 2022, after which it will be displayed in Arusha, Tanzania. It showcases photographs of Africa’s diverse ecosystems and aims to engage creatives and encourage young Africans to become advocates for conservation and sustainable development.

The Benjamin Mkapa African Wildlife Photography Awards are named after the late H.E. Benjamin Mkapa, one of Africa’s most beloved leaders who was the President of Tanzania from 1995 to 2005, as well as AWF’s longest-serving trustee. Having begun his career as a journalist, he was widely respected for his legacy of protecting Africa’s wild heritage and telling authentic stories from the continent. The awards were launched in 2021 to celebrate AWF’s 60th anniversary.

Through the art of photography and video, the Mkapa Awards inspire photographers from Africa and around the world to share images and stories from Africa and to encourage new advocates for positive conservation change. Photographs are a tool to educate and advocate for sustainable development that includes the conservation of Africa’s great biological diversity and wealth.

About African Wildlife Foundation

AWF is the primary advocate for the protection of wildlife and their habitats as an essential part of a modern and prosperous Africa. Founded in 1961 to focus on Africa’s conservation needs, we articulate a uniquely African vision, bridge science and public policy, and demonstrate the benefits of conservation to ensure the survival of the continent’s wildlife and wild lands. AWF is serving as a co-convener of the inaugural African Protected Areas Congress (APAC) in Kigali, Rwanda from July 18-23, 2022.

MEDIA CONTACT: For more information and to arrange interviews, contact Jacqueline Kubania, AWF Field Communications Manager, at JKubania@awf.org