École du Patrimoine Africain

The African Heritage School (EPA) is a postgraduate university institution dedicated to the conservation of cultural heritage.

The African Heritage School (EPA) is the successor to PREMA, a program launched in 1986 by the ICCROM (International Centre for the Study of the Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Property) to preserve the collections of African museums.

PREMA has trained hundreds of African museum professionals in conservation and restoration techniques. It has also contributed to the creation of an active network of museum professionals of over 400 people in 46 countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

In 1998, professionals from the University of Abomey-Calavi and the ICCROM decided to create the EPA to meet the growing need for training in the conservation and restoration of African cultural heritage.

The EPA began its activities in 1999 with a bachelor's degree program in cultural heritage conservation. Since then, it has expanded its training offer to include master's and doctoral programs in the fields of conservation, restoration, museology, and cultural mediation.

The EPA has also developed research and expertise activities in the field of cultural heritage. It supports African countries in the implementation of policies and programs for the conservation and enhancement of heritage.

In 2000, the EPA opened a branch in Libreville, Gabon, to support the implementation of EPA activities in the Central African region. The Centre for Heritage Development in Africa (CHDA), a sister institution of the EPA created in 2000 and based in Mombasa, Kenya, develops activities for English-speaking countries.

The EPA is recognized by the African Union as a regional pan-African organization. It is also a member of the International Network of Heritage Education Establishments (INHERIT).

The EPA has played an important role in the development of the profession of conservator-restorer in Africa. It has also contributed to raising awareness of the importance of cultural heritage among the African public.

Today, the EPA is a leading institution in the field of conservation and enhancement of African cultural heritage. It trains qualified professionals and supports African countries in the implementation of their heritage conservation policies.