ECOWAS, UEMOA ministers approve joint plan for return of African cultural heritage

Ministers from ECOWAS and the West African Economic and Monetary Union, UEMOA, have approved a joint plan to speed up the return of African cultural heritage to its rightful home countries. The agreement was reached during a high-level ministerial meeting held in Dakar, Senegal, on Saturday. The meeting took place ahead of the official launch of the West African Arts and Culture Festival, ECOFEST 2025, scheduled for Sunday, 30th November.

The ministerial session followed several days of technical discussions by cultural experts from member states. These experts reviewed key issues affecting cultural governance in West Africa. They also examined the gaps that exist in heritage management systems and identified opportunities to strengthen the region’s approach to protecting and promoting African cultural assets.

At the end of their discussions, ministers endorsed a set of recommendations based on the ECOWAS Action Plan for 2027 to 2031. This action plan focuses on the restitution of African cultural property, especially artefacts taken out of the region during the colonial era.

The approved recommendations touched on a number of important issues. These included the progress made by member states in negotiating the return of stolen artefacts, as well as the challenges that continue to slow down restitution processes. The ministers also discussed the state of national cultural policies across the region and the readiness of institutions responsible for heritage management and the creative industries.

The meeting further highlighted the need for stronger partnerships at the international and regional levels. The ministers stressed that collaboration with global institutions, donors, civil society groups and cultural networks is essential for advancing West Africa’s cultural agenda. They also noted that coordinated action among ECOWAS and UEMOA countries is crucial to ensure African cultural treasures are protected, recovered and restored to national collections.

The ministers emphasised that returning these cultural items is not only about correcting historical injustices but also about strengthening the region’s cultural identity. They said the move will help promote education, tourism and cultural pride among younger generations.

Saturday’s meeting also set the stage for the launch of ECOFEST 2025. The festival will bring together artists, cultural leaders, policymakers and creative professionals from across West Africa. ECOFEST aims to celebrate the region’s rich heritage and renew commitment to a stronger cultural renaissance for the future.