Museum and Critical Heritage Studies

Geofrey Mwanza is a Master of Arts student in Global African Studies at The Africa Institute, Global Studies University, specializing in Museum and Critical Heritage Studies, from Zambia. He is a heritage consultant and researcher with a focus on impact assessments, restitution, and policy. Geofrey’s research examines heritage governance and decolonial practices to support cultural renewal in Africa. Drawing on his practical experience in heritage management, he critically explores how African heritage is preserved, interpreted, and mobilized. Through his studies, he aims to develop innovative approaches to policy, restitution, and community-centered heritage initiatives.

Academic Background

  • B.A., Cultural Studies and History, The University of Zambia (UNZA)
  • MSc, Conservation Management of Cultural Heritage, University of Sharjah

Professional Experience

  • Heritage Researcher, African Heritage Channel, Zambia (2022–Present)
  • Cultural Heritage & GIS Specialist, Envirodynamics Consulting Limited, Zambia (2018–Present)
  • Research Support (Risk & Disaster Management Plans), UNESCO/EPA/ROSA, for Kasubi Tombs (Uganda) and Great Zimbabwe World Heritage Site (Zimbabwe) (2021, 2024)
  • Research & Mapping Support, African World Heritage Fund (AWHF) Gap Analysis Study, Africa-wide (2020)
  • Archaeological Excavation Team Member, Max Planck Institute collaboration (Central Province sites: Ndola, Mkushi, Kapiri Mposhi), Zambia (2018)
  • Archaeological Excavation Team Member, Kalambo Falls Project, University of Liverpool (2018)
  • Assistant Heritage Specialist, DH Engineering, Zambia (2018–2022)
  • Intern / Planner, National Heritage Conservation Commission (NHCC), Zambia (2017–2016)

Publications & Contributions

  • Academic Publications (forthcoming): Liberation Heritage of Zimbabwe in Zambia; Liberation Heritage of South Africa in Zambia; Zambian Moonlight Stories
  • 2024, Risk and Disaster Management Plan, Great Zimbabwe National Monument, Zimbabwe – UNESCO ROSA/NMMZ
  • 2023, Youth Engagement in Heritage Conservation, ICOMOS Day Presentation
  • 2023, Nomination Dossier Assisted Planning, Mount Mulanje Heritage Site, Malawi – NHCC/UNESCO
  • 2018–2024, Multiple Heritage Impact Assessments, Zambia (solar, wind, road, and transmission projects)
  • 2021, Risk and Disaster Management Plan, Kasubi Tombs World Heritage Site, Uganda – UNESCO/EPA
  • 2020, African World Heritage Gap Analysis Study – AWHF/EPA
  • 2020, Nomination Dossier Mapping, Barotse Plains Cultural Landscape – NHCC
  • 2019, Feasibility Study for Proposed Glass Bridge Viewing Deck, Victoria Falls World Heritage Site – NHCC/UNESCO
  • 2018–2019, Archaeological Excavations, Central Province & Kalambo Falls – Max Planck Institute / University of Liverpool

In Their Own Words

"My experience in the program has been intellectually transformative, offering a rigorous environment to engage critically with African heritage and global debates on decolonization and restitution. The curriculum and faculty expertise have strengthened my research skills, deepened my theoretical understanding, and facilitated connections with leading scholars and practitioners. The program has allowed me to situate my professional work in heritage conservation within broader academic frameworks and has inspired innovative approaches to policy, restitution, and community-centered heritage management."

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