William Codjo on Bolstering Benin’s Cultural and Artistic Landscape
Cotonou, Benin – William Codjo, recently appointed to lead the Arts and Culture Development Agency by the Council of Ministers, has outlined a visionary approach for enhancing Benin’s cultural and artistic sectors. In an interview with Mérième Alaoui, Codjo shared insights into the country’s ambitious cultural projects and their impact on the national and global stages.
According to Africa News Agency, an economist, banker, and cultural business management specialist, his work with the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) and the European Union (EU) focused on fostering cultural economic growth across Africa, the Caribbean, and Vietnam. His new assignment in Benin stems from the government’s dedication to making culture and arts key development areas. Codjo’s aim is to harness Benin’s unique cultural history and values to contribute positively to the global community.
Benin’s cultural economy represents a significant opportunity for both the nation and Africa as a whole. Codjo believes that the continent’s greatest potential lies in its cultural dimension, offering comparative advantages due to its unique history. His strategic roadmap involves emphasizing Benin’s values, specific message, and vision of the world.
The state has committed two billion euros over ten years to an ambitious cultural project, a decision stemming from structured initiatives by President Patrice Talon since 2016. This investment, unprecedented since Benin’s independence, and exceptional on a continental scale, has already seen successes like the return of royal treasures from France, which garnered widespread attention and showcased both ancestral genius and contemporary artistic creation.
The creation of the first national gallery has significantly increased the value of Beninese creations on the international art market. This move, coupled with private sector involvement, has led to a tenfold increase in the value of Beninese art. The National Gallery’s evolution into the Arts and Culture Development Agency, which Codjo leads, marks a new era in Benin’s artistic presence, including participation in the Venice Biennale.
Codjo also highlighted the importance of teaching Benin’s history and promoting collective memory. The country’s rich cultural life and intangible heritage, including Voodoo, are integral parts of this. The history of Benin’s involvement in the slave trade and its impact on the diaspora in America and the Caribbean is a key aspect of the country’s narrative. Benin aims to showcase these historical elements in a commemorative tourism program.
Emphasizing Benin’s historical resilience and unique identity, Codjo pointed out the importance of figures like King Behanzin and the symbolic representation of women and feminism in history, exemplified by the statue in Cotonou.
To ensure the sustainability of this active cultural policy, Benin has implemented a cultural education program in secondary schools and is planning a cultural and creative district in Cotonou. This district, a fourteen-hectare industrial wasteland redevelopment, will include the Cotonou Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC) and various artistic infrastructures, set to be dynamic platforms for artistic expression by December 2025.