Photography as a Social Tool: Unpublished Africa Launches “Molokay” to Advance Climate and Social Justice Through Visual Storytelling
- Unpublished Africa
- Sep 13
- 2 min read
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Harare, Zimbabwe — 31 July 2025
Unpublished Africa is proud to present Molokay, l’écho d’un homme et de sa forêt, a virtual photography exhibition by Congolese photographer Joyce Kipunga (DRC). The exhibition is curated by Unpublished Africa, with advisory from Chido Nyaruwata (Flames and Lillies Climate Initiative, Zimbabwe).
The series follows 74-year-old Jean-Paul Nkoy, who chose to live in harmony with the forest amidst the environmental collapse in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. His story represents climate resilience and the quiet resistance of communities protecting nature.
A Landmark for African Climate Photography
Molokay is Kipunga’s first solo exhibition, and continues Unpublished Africa’s commitment to redefining photography as more than art — positioning it as a social tool for climate awareness, advocacy, and transformation.
Unpublished Africa has supported emerging African visual storytellers in over 25 countries, offering exhibitions, workshops, and publishing opportunities that connect photography to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and urgent social issues.
Recent Exhibitions: Building Momentum for Social Impact
Unpublished Africa Photography Week – With Impact in Mind (November 2024)
Hosted in 12 countries, with 14 photographers presenting works on:
Climate change (SDG 13 – Climate Action)
Healthcare workers (SDG 3 – Good Health and Wellbeing)
Marginalized voices (SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities)
Positioned photography as a tool for social change and justice.
Harare Climate Gathering Exhibition (June 2025)
Curated with African Climate Alliance, Flames and Lillies Climate Initiative, and Sisonke Projects.
Featured work from Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Gabon, and DRC on:
Flood resilience and sea-level rise
Waste innovation and environmental restoration
Community-led adaptation strategies
Molokay: A New Chapter in African Storytelling
Kipunga, an alumna of Unpublished Africa’s Creative Business Studio, previously contributed to Impact in Mind (2024) and I’d Be Empowered If (2025). She also led Unpublished Africa’s first Francophone public discussion, expanding the platform’s regional reach.
“Joyce Kipunga represents the kind of transformative storyteller we aim to support,” said Anesu Chikumba, Founder of Unpublished Africa. “Through her lens, we see not only climate devastation, but resilience, dignity, and the human spirit fighting to protect what remains.”
Exhibition Access
🔗 View Molokay Exhibition:[https://www.unpublished.africa/molokay-joyce-kipunga-exhibition]
📱 Instagram: @unpublished.africa
About Unpublished Africa
Unpublished Africa collaborates with African visual storytellers to amplify underrepresented voices. Through exhibitions, publishing, and training programs, the platform creates entry-level opportunities for creatives to build sustainable careers.
With a footprint in 25+ African countries, Unpublished Africa works at the intersection of creativity, representation, and social justice — using art as a tool for advocacy and long-term change.
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