Africa's cultural heritage, encompassing ancient artifacts, oral traditions, music, and manuscripts, forms the backbone of its identity. With thousands of artifacts at risk due to environmental degradation, conflict, and illegal looting, digitization safeguards against loss.

Telecommunications tower company IHS Nigeria announced, on November 21, a partnership with the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) and the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy (FMACCE) to digitize Nigeria’s cultural heritage. This collaboration seeks to preserve and showcase the nation’s historical artifacts and cultural monuments through a cutting-edge digital museum platform.

Speaking on the initiative, Mohamad Darwish, CEO of IHS Nigeria, emphasized the company’s dedication to cultural preservation and community development. “As a company deeply rooted in Nigeria, we recognize the importance of preserving, protecting, and promoting our cultural heritage,” he said.

The digital museum, the first major project under Nigeria’s Digital Culture Initiative, aims to provide greater public access to the country’s rich cultural heritage. Leveraging advanced technology, the initiative will ensure that Nigeria’s historical and artistic treasures are preserved and made accessible to a global audience.

The initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope program, which aims to promote Nigeria's rich cultural heritage, diverse tourism landscape, and creative potential to catalyze economic growth in these key sectors. The program aims to strengthen communities, create sustainable jobs, and reinforce Nigeria's position on the world stage.

According to Olugbile Holloway, Director General of the National Commission on Museums and Monuments, “We believe that to keep ahead of current trends and attract a younger demographic, it is imperative to create and make available to the public a digital experience of our rich cultural heritage. The digital museum will be an invaluable resource for researchers, students, and the general public, both in Nigeria and worldwide, and will play a crucial role in the preservation of our national heritage.”

Hikmatu Bilali