Heritage Authenticity in Africa: Polemics of Heritage Regimes, Policies and Governance

There has been sustained emphasis on the notion of authenticity as a core determinant in the identification, validation, and management of cultural heritage, particularly within the governance framework of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention. While the 1972 UNESCO Convention accords authenticity a central role in the assessment of Outstanding Universal Value (OUV), questions persist regarding whose standards, epistemologies, and cultural experiences underpin this notion. This chapter critically interrogates the ideological foundations, legal instruments, policies, and governance regimes that shape the understanding and application of heritage authenticity in Africa. It argues that dominant Eurocentric conservation paradigms—rooted in colonial legacies and reinforced through international charters such as the Venice Charter—have historically marginalised African conceptions of heritage, particularly living, intangible, and community-based forms. By tracing the evolution of heritage regimes and examining contemporary debates, including recent UNESCO deliberations and African-led initiatives, the chapter advocates for a more inclusive, context-sensitive, and adaptive framework of authenticity grounded in African cultural realities.