Togo-Germany Talks May Bring Colonial Items Home, But No Deal Yet

Togo and Germany have opened discussions on the possible return of Togolese cultural artifacts held in public and private collections in Germany, including objects acquired during German colonial rule. The matter was raised last week in Lomé at a meeting between Togo's Tourism, Culture and Arts Minister Isaac Tchiakpé and German Ambassador Stefan Messerer.

Key facts

• 25 February 2026: Togo's Cabinet approved a draft law on protecting and promoting the country's cultural heritage
• Objects at issue were taken or brought to Germany during its colonial administration of Togo between 1884 and 1914, when the territory was known as Togoland
• A national committee is to coordinate efforts to recover cultural property held abroad
• No date, list of objects or terms for any return have been announced

What is being discussed?

According to Togo's Culture Ministry, any return would first require identifying the objects and investigating how they were acquired, in cooperation with museums in both countries. That work would establish each item's provenance before the two sides negotiate the terms of a potential return.

Many of the objects concerned date from German rule over Togo between 1884 and 1914. During that period, items belonging to Togolese communities were taken or brought to Germany in different ways: some were collected by colonial administrators, military personnel, explorers and missionaries, while others were acquired through transactions that have not been fully documented.

What has Togo's government already done?

On 25 February 2026, Togo's Cabinet approved a draft law aimed at strengthening the protection and promotion of the country's cultural heritage. The government also authorised the creation of a national committee to coordinate efforts to recover cultural property held abroad, underlining the importance of these objects to Togo's history and cultural identity.

What could this mean for visitors?

The Culture Ministry sees the possible return as a boost for cultural tourism and related businesses. Recovered objects could expand national museum collections and create new attractions presenting the country's history and cultural traditions.

Depending on their origins and historical significance, returned artifacts could go on display in a national museum or in regional museums. The collections could also become part of cultural tourism itineraries, drawing visitors and bringing more customers to tour guides, hotels, restaurants and local craftspeople. Larger collections and better public access could also create jobs in conservation, artifact restoration, cultural education and museum management.

No timetable for identifying the objects, negotiating their return or displaying them has been announced. Discussions between the two countries are at an early stage.