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Ministers from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) have approved a joint plan to advance the return of African cultural heritage to its countries of origin.
The endorsement was made at a high-level ministerial meeting in Dakar, Senegal, held on the eve of the official launch of the 2025 West African Arts and Culture Festival (ECOFEST), scheduled for Sunday, 30 November 2025.
The session followed technical deliberations by cultural experts from member states, who presented recommendations on heritage restitution processes across the region.
According to the Commissions of ECOWAS and UEMOA, the ministers reviewed and endorsed proposals covering key thematic areas, including the implementation of the ECOWAS Action Plan 2027–2031 for the return of cultural property, the progress made by member states, and the persistent challenges hampering restitution efforts.
The discussions also examined the state of national cultural policies and the effectiveness of institutions responsible for heritage management and the development of creative industries.
The ministerial meeting underscored the importance of strengthening cooperation with international organisations, development partners, civil society groups, and cultural networks. Such partnerships, the ministers agreed, are essential to advancing the region’s cultural agenda and securing the long-term protection and rightful return of African artefacts.
The meeting sets the tone for ECOFEST 2025, which aims to celebrate West Africa’s cultural diversity while amplifying ongoing advocacy for heritage repatriation.
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