National Archives of Zimbabwe

Slide 1 of 3 | National Custodian Since 1935

Preserving Our Heritage, Our Nation, Our Pride

The National Archives of Zimbabwe safeguards official state documentation, historical manuscripts, public archives, and cultural artifacts to foster national identity and transparency.

Slide 2 of 3 | Audiovisual Preservation

Digital Audiovisual Archives & Film Digitisation

Housing over 10,000 analogue items and 3,000 historic 16mm/35mm film reels (1940–1980). Over 2,800 reels scanned into high-resolution digital MOV master files using Cintel Scanners.

Slide 3 of 3 | Decentralized Records Network

National Records Centres Network Across 6 Provinces

Providing cost-effective records storage, surveys, policy formulation, and disposal authorizations for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in Harare, Bulawayo, Chinhoyi, Mutare, Gweru, and Masvingo.

Notice Search Room Admission: $2/day access pass required. ID or Passport must be produced upon entry.

1935

Established Year

10,000+

AV Collection Items

6 Centres

Provincial Coverage

$2.00

Daily Research Pass

Welcome to National Archives of Zimbabwe

As a department under the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, the National Archives of Zimbabwe serves as the memory bank of the nation. Established under an Act of Parliament in 1935, our mandate encompasses acquiring, preserving, and providing public access to historical documentation, state papers, public archives, and cultural media assets.

Integrity

Upholding honesty and transparency in managing historical public records.

Preservation

Safeguarding collections using modern archival standards and cold storage.

Accessibility

Promoting research, public understanding, and civic access to history.

Research Hours

Monday – Friday:08:00 – 16:00
Weekends:Closed

About National Archives of Zimbabwe

Unveiling the History of Zimbabwe Since 1935

Historical Mandate & Governance

The National Archives of Zimbabwe safeguards our nation's historical and legal documentation. Operating as a major branch of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, we are dedicated to preserving and providing public access to Zimbabwe's national documentary heritage.

Established in 1935 through an Act of Parliament, NAZ has evolved over nearly a century into a modern archival institution supporting public administration, academic research, genealogy, and cultural education.

Legislative Authority

National Archives Act of 1986: Mandates the acquisition, custody, and care of public archives and non-current records.
Broadcasting Services Act of 2001 (Chapter 41): Establishes legal deposit obligations for audiovisual media produced within Zimbabwe.

Core Functions

Permanent preservation of public records and manuscripts.
Operation of 6 provincial Records Centres for MDAs.
Preservation of historic film reels, videos, and sound archives.
Hosting research facilities and guided heritage tours.

Operational Sections & Units

Specialized technical and research departments

Audiovisual Unit (Est. 1989)

Preserving Moving Image & Sound Heritage

The depository for all audiovisual media in Zimbabwe. Holds over 10,000 analogue items including 16mm/35mm films, U-matic, VHS, shellac discs, and tape reels. Features 3,000+ film titles (1940–1980) from Central African Film Unit and Zimbabwe Production Services. Equipped with 3 cold rooms preventing chemical decay such as vinegar syndrome, and Blackmagic Cintel Scanners for digital conversion.

Public Archives & Research

Historical Records & Public Access

Manages official government records, Liberation struggle documentation, pre-colonial and colonial administrative files, Deceased Estates, Civil and Criminal court registers, land, and traditional leadership records.

Archival Services & Fee Schedule

Comprehensive archiving and research solutions

01. Document Acquisition

Systematic acquisition of state documents, legal papers, and private historical manuscripts.

02. Public Research Access

Reading room consultation, finding aids, and archivists' research guidance.

03. Digital Archives

Film scanning, photo duplication, and electronic repository retrieval.

04. Cultural Heritage Programs

Guided tours for school groups, colleges, researchers, and public exhibitions.

Approved Tariff Schedule

Service Category	Fee Rate	Currency / Note
Daily Research Access Pass	USD $2.00	Per day (Local ID required)
Foreign Researcher Access	USD $2.00 / day	Requires RCZ Research Permit
Photocopying Services	USD $0.20	Per page
Group Guided Tour (>20 people)	USD $50.00	Per group (USD or ZiG interbank)
Individual Guided Tour	USD $10.00	Per individual

6 Regional Records Centres

Decentralized government records management network

1. Harare National Records Centre

Headquarters facility serving central government ministries & northern region MDAs.

2. Bulawayo Records Centre

Serving Bulawayo Metropolitan, Matabeleland North & South provinces.

3. Chinhoyi Records Centre

Serving Mashonaland West public sector institutions.

4. Mutare Records Centre

Serving Manicaland Province institutions and border posts.

5. Gweru Records Centre

Serving Midlands Province public authorities.

6. Masvingo Records Centre

Serving Masvingo Province public bodies.

Contact Us

Get in touch with the National Archives of Zimbabwe

Headquarters Address

Physical Address:
Corner of Borrowdale Rd & Ruth Taylor Avenue, Gunhill, Harare, Zimbabwe

Telephone Lines:
+263 24 279274 / 3

Official Email:
archives@isp.gov.zw