Niger-Agadez: Advocating for African Urban Heritage at Lamu Workshop

Niamey, December 3, 2025 - The Director General of the Agadez Urban Municipality, Battalion Commander Assarid Almoustapha, accompanied by the curator of the historic center, Mr. Ali Salifou, represented Agadez at an international workshop organized by the Organization of World Heritage Cities (OWHC). The workshop gathered managers of African UNESCO World Heritage sites to discuss urban preservation challenges and prepare a collaborative project for the 18th OWHC World Congress in Marrakech in 2026.

During the session, the Agadez delegation highlighted major issues facing the city, including financial constraints, climate change impacts, population pressure, declining tourism, and the deterioration of historic buildings. Concrete actions were proposed, such as raising community awareness, restoring heritage sites, finalizing urban development plans, and mobilizing necessary funding.

A field visit to Lamu’s historic sites allowed participants to observe successful rehabilitation efforts, reinforcing Agadez’s commitment to adapting sustainable practices to its own heritage context.

Concluding the workshop, the Director General made key commitments: adherence to the OWHC urban project, application for active membership by the end of 2025, and advocacy for increased international technical and financial support. A platform for ongoing cooperation among African heritage cities is also planned to facilitate knowledge exchange and collaborative preservation efforts.