Digital enhancement of African colonial archives through connected objects: An innovative approach for cultural development in Africa
Abstract:
The Benheritage project is a pioneering initiative for the restitution of African colonial archives, often looted and preserved in European cultural institutions. Through a digital approach, this project uses advanced technologies, notably the Internet of Things (IoT), to enable the efficient restitution and inventory of these archives. The Benher itage platform was designed to secure, digitize, and restore these sensitive archives, while making them accessible to both African researchers and the general public. The use of connected objects in this project optimizes data man agement, improves connectivity via cloud networks, and strengthens information security, while facilitating access to a heritage that is often difficult to access. This approach is particularly relevant in the African context, where historical and cultural archives remain largely inaccessible. The project presents an innovative model for the digital valorization of heritage, thus contributing to a better understanding and preservation of African colonial archives. It also highlights the technical challenges encountered, such as cybersecurity and connectivity, and explores the solutions implemented to ensure data integrity and accessibility with a view to cultural and educational development in Africa..
