BCI hosts the launch of an anthology that preserves the memory of Zambézia

The BCI Auditorium in Maputo hosted, on Thursday, October 8th, the launch of the book "Almoço à Zambeziana" – Escrever a Zambézia, Volume I, an anthology that brings together stories, memories, testimonies and cultural expressions from Zambézia, in a collective exercise of preserving and valuing Mozambican identity.

The ceremony was attended by the Chairman of the Board of Directors of BCI, Carlos Agostinho do Rosário, the Chairman of the Executive Committee, José Furtado, writers, artists, academics, natives and friends of Zambézia, family members and guests. The event was enriched by moments of recitation, readings of excerpts from the work and musical performances.

With over thirty collaborators, the work is the first result of the "Writing Zambezia" movement, conceived by the academic, literary critic and essayist Almiro Lobo, and joined by António Barros, Lo-Chi, Hélder Muteia, Abdul Carimo Issá, Armando Inroga and Zeferino Martins. The initiative seeks to rescue stories, figures, places, customs and knowledge from the collective memory of Zambezia.

In his speech, Carlos Agostinho do Rosário highlighted his personal connection to the province. “Zambézia gave me experiences, it gave me friends, it gave me lessons, and it gave me a way of looking at people and interacting with them that has stayed with me to this day,” he stated.

The PCA also highlighted the value of writing in preserving memory: "When these memories are put into books, they gain the ability to travel through time."

In presenting the work, Almiro Lobo explained that the project arose from a concern to preserve experiences and knowledge for future generations. "It is urgent to record the memory of things to avoid amnesia, whether individual or collective," he stated, inviting all those who maintain a connection with Zambézia to contribute to future volumes.

In turn, Abdul Carimo Issá highlighted the collective responsibility of preserving cultural identity, appealing for the involvement of institutions, companies, and citizens. He also paid tribute to Omaia Amade Panachande, responsible for the layout of the work, who has since passed away.

Inspired by a traditional Zambezian lunch, the book brings together historical texts, memoirs, stories, legends, poetry, proverbs, and testimonies, organized like a true literary menu, where different generations share experiences, knowledge, and affections.

By hosting the launch, BCI reaffirms its commitment to literature, culture and knowledge, also materialized in its Media Libraries in Maputo, Beira, Nampula and Mozambique Island. In the year it celebrates its 30th anniversary, the Bank continues to support initiatives that preserve collective memory and value the country's cultural identity.