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Africa’s growing push for the restitution of its looted treasures has found a crucial ally at the helm of the world’s leading cultural body.
The recent election of Egypt’s former Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Dr Khaled Ahmed El-Enany, as the Director-General of UNESCO, is seen as a ray of hope in Africa’s fight to recover looted artefacts.
“Its a big statement, especially coming at a time when UNESCO is grappling with renewed calls for restitution of cultural artefacts, protection of climate-threatened heritage sites, and the digital preservation of indigenous knowledge,” Explained an African culture enthusiast, John Njeru.
There are high hopes that the Egyptologist and seasoned heritage diplomat could help reshape how the world views Africa’s role in preserving and defining its own history.
“Its an opportunity for Africa to assert its role in culture preservation,” said Njeru.
El-Enany is the first African to hold the position since 1987 and only the second since the organisation’s founding in 1945.
The African Union Commission has committed to supporting El-Enany in advancing inclusive and quality education, fostering scientific excellence and preserving the continent’s cultural health.
“I have confidence in El-Enany’s ability to lead UNESCO with vision and dedication at a time when international cooperation is more essential than ever,” said African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, in a congratulatory statement.
Europe’s recent return of the Benin Bronzes to Nigeria and the repatriation of stolen artefacts to Ethiopia and Egypt have re-energised the debate over ownership and memory, renewed global recognition of Africa’s cultural wealth and intellectual leadership. Cultural activists argue that many artefacts in Western museums were acquired through violence, coercion, or during colonial rule.
Sentiments of goodwill and support for the new UNESCO Head have been shared by leaders across the continent, Africa CDC Director-General, Dr Jean Kaseya, describing the development as a turning point for Africa’s global standing.
“This is a proud moment for Africa and a recognition of its remarkable dedication to culture, education, and sustainable development,” said Kaseya on X.
Born in 1971, El-Enany has spent more than 30 years teaching and researching Egyptology at Helwan University, where he rose to the position of Professor and Vice Dean in the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality. He holds a PhD in Egyptology from France’s Paul-Valéry Montpellier 3 University, where he also served as a visiting professor. Between 2014 and 2016, he directed both the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation and the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, overseeing landmark exhibitions and modernisation projects.
Later, as Minister of Antiquities (2016–2019) and subsequently Minister of Tourism and Antiquities (2019–2022), El-Enany became the architect of Egypt’s modern cultural diplomacy, championing archaeological cooperation, opening new museums, and driving the country’s image as a global heritage hub. In November 2024, the World Tourism Organisation (UN Tourism) named him Special Ambassador for Cultural Tourism, and soon after, he was appointed patron of the African World Heritage Fund, underscoring his growing influence at the nexus of culture, tourism, and sustainable development.
“Dr. El-Enany’s distinguished career and contributions to world heritage reflect Egypt’s civilizational vision and pioneering role in safeguarding global culture and history,” said Haytham Al Qabbani, a researcher in politics and international relations, said on X.
Egypt is home to some of the world’s earliest libraries and Luxor, a city with the world’s greatest open-air museum, known for some of Egypt’s most famous temples, tombs and monuments. Egypt’s Coptic Orthodox Church described the win as a “reflection of the great international confidence Egypt enjoys as a nation” and praised El-Enany’s “outstanding academic and cultural record.”
“His overwhelming victory, receiving a record number of votes unprecedented in the organisation’s eighty-year history, reflects the great international confidence that Egypt enjoys as a nation, as well as the remarkable stature of the Egyptian candidate himself, distinguished by his outstanding academic and cultural record,” said the Church in a statement.
Credit: Conrad Onyango, Bird Story Agency
