Open access to information on African restitution

Over 1,000,000 known African artefacts unwillingly held outside the continent. Of these, less than 1,000 have been returned... The Open Restitution Project is an Africa-led project seeking to open up access to information on the restitution of African material culture and human ancestors, to empower all stakeholders involved to make knowledge-based decisions.

Restitution is essential for addressing historical injustices rooted in colonialism and imperialism.

Open Restitution Africa combines technology, social impact, and responsible data stewardship to empower stakeholders with high-quality research and real-time data.

With amongst others:

  • African voices
  • Policy & legislation database
  • Case studies
  • Videos and podcasts

 

“When different stakeholders collaborate across different lines, that’s when restitution breakthroughs happen,” fellow co-founder Chao Tayiana Maina said.