On the eve of the official launch of the West African Arts and Culture Festival (ECOFEST) on Sunday, 30 November 2025, in Dakar, Senegal, the ECOWAS and UEMOA Commissions brought together ministers, following the meeting of cultural experts from member states, for a high-level meeting on the return of African cultural heritage and property to their countries of origin.
During the discussions, the ministers reviewed and approved the experts’ recommendations on several issues, including the implementation of the ECOWAS Action Plan 2027-2031 for the return of cultural property; the progress and obstacles encountered by countries in the restitution and return of cultural property; and the status of national cultural policies and institutions responsible for heritage management and creative industries.
The ministerial meeting also highlighted the need to strengthen collaboration with international organisations, donors, civil society and cultural networks in order to advance the region’s cultural agenda.
