Episode 51: Innocent Mutanga, founder of the Africa Center Hong Kong

Innocent Mutanga from Zimbabwe has had an amazing journey so far and he learned so many life lessons as a political activist in his home country, a homeless refugee in Hong Kong, a student anthropology at CUHK, an analyst at an investment bank and founder of the social enterprise Africa Center Hong Kong.

Innocent's story should be shared as often as possible as it teaches us about the possibilities in life, what you can do if you are at the bottom of the society, why it is necessary to rebrand blackness and the human obligation to give back and share where you can.

Innocent fled Zimbabwe and arrived in Hong Kong at random as that is one of the few destinations where he did not need a visa for. He arrived as a refugee in Hong Kong 7 years ago fleeing his home country as a political activist, having nothing and being homeless for the first couple of months. He managed to enroll with an university in Hong Kong, graduated and started working as a banker. However, he did not forget to pay it forward and founded the Africa Center at TST in Hong Kong which is hosting so many different cultural activities to bring people together to learn and to have fun.

Innocent’s story and the Africa Centre are now often featured by local media, Innocent appeared in the book Dear Hong Kong (episode 35!) and spoke at TEDx so I am very happy that he made time for me to interview him.

If you are in Hong Kong, visit the Africa Center at 12/F, 21 Hillwood Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong and attend one of the many events like dancing, playing drums, discussions, networking meals, the book club and so much more! You can find the Center on http://www.africacenterhk.com/, Facebook, Linkedin and Instagram