The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) took part in the International Conference for the Promotion of African Museums, held at the Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac Museum in Paris, as part of an international cultural initiative geared towards highlighting the Cameroonian and African cultural heritage, that featured a temporary exhibition of Cameroonian historical collection from April 4 to July 17, 2022.

During the conference, Dr. Mahamat Abba Ousman, Expert at ICESCO’s Culture and Communication Sector, reviewed the Organization’s efforts to valorize the heritage of the Islamic world, in general, and the African region in particular, through the inscription of historical sites and cultural elements on the Islamic World Heritage List, the organization of training sessions for the benefit of heritage professionals in Member States, and the promotion of cultural activities and arts therein.

Dr. Abba Ousman delivered a presentation on the first volume of the Directory of Museums in the Islamic World entitled “Museums in Africa”, which was published by ICESCO in May 2022, noting that the document provides an overview of museums in the sub-Saharan African Member States, and that it is the first publication of the Islamic World Heritage Center in the Organization’s Culture and Communication Sector.

He also pointed out that the 178-page Directory encapsulates information on 194 museums for the benefit of students, researchers, investors and entrepreneurs in the cultural field, and is aimed at promoting cultural tourism by casting light on museums and the countries in which they are located.