The Evolution of the Concept of Heritage Authenticity in Francophone Central and West Africa: Postcolonial Challenges and Community Perspectives

The idea of heritage authenticity in Francophone Central and West Africa has been shaped by many layers of history, cultural exchange, and shifting political landscapes. Far from being a fixed or universal concept, authenticity in these regions reflects a long process of negotiation between inherited traditions, the pressures of modern life, and the legacy of colonial-era interpretations. Drawing on a review of key literature and the author’s field experience with IUCN, this chapter revisits the question through postcolonial and community-centred lenses. It suggests that embracing cultural hybridity and locally grounded definitions of heritage ideas developed by thinkers such as Homi Bhabha and Achille Mbembe offers a more realistic and empowering way to understand authenticity today. Case studies from Senegal, Cameroon, and Gabon show how communities actively shape and reinterpret what they consider authentic, even as they navigate global influences and development pressures. The paper argues for a renewed approach that places communities at the heart of authenticity assessments and calls for a practical framework tailored to African contexts.