UNESCO will open a special exhibition about African history at its headquarters in Paris. Visitors can see it from 17 to 22 September 2026. The show is called 'Heritages and Contributions of Africa to the Progress of Humanity'. It is based on the General History of Africa, one of UNESCO's major scientific projects. The book series presents African history from African perspectives, and three new volumes, IX, X and XI, were published recently.
Through historical documents, photos, maps and videos, the exhibition explores famous topics. They include Timbuktu's scientific traditions, the Haitian Revolution and the fight against apartheid, South Africa's old system of racial separation. A historian who helped write the latest volume will lead an informal first tour. UNESCO says a deeper understanding of history can support a culture of peace. UNESCO calls the event an important step before a Pan-African forum in Angola in October.