Heritage Projects & Cultural Development

🤝 Partners & Collaborations

The Bafut Palace actively collaborates with global institutions to preserve cultural heritage and promote peace across generations.

🌍 UNESCO Heritage Emergency Fund Project

In 2021, the Bafut Palace received support from UNESCO’s Heritage Emergency Fund (HEF) to conduct risk assessments and emergency rehabilitation after damages caused by the Anglophone crisis.

  • ✔️ Heritage awareness during times of crisis
  • ✔️ Advocacy for cultural protection
  • ✔️ Emergency assessment & training
  • ✔️ Repairs: 80 windows, 40 doors, museum fence

The museum fence was repaired, while much of the palace remains vulnerable. The initiative helped reduce intrusions and strengthened preservation practices.

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UNESCO Rehabilitation

🇺🇸 Cameroon American Embassy Project (2015)

In 2015, the American Embassy in Cameroon funded a rehabilitation project of the great Achum grass house to the tune of 60,000 USD. This grass house is located at the centre of the palace and is the tallest and oldest building within the palace grounds. For more information, visit the links below:

More details about the project can be found on the United States Embassy cultural preservation fund page.

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US Embassy Project at Bafut Palace

🌍 World Monuments Fund Project (2007)

In 2007, the World Monuments Fund (WMF) contributed to the preservation of Bafut heritage by funding the rehabilitation of 20 queens’ roofs — originally constructed during the German era of 1910 — with a significant investment of $120,000 USD.

This restoration focused on buildings that had never been renovated since their construction, making it a landmark effort in conserving the architectural soul of the Bafut Palace.

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WMF Bafut Palace Rehabilitation

🇩🇪 Cameroon German Embassy Project (2006)

In 2006, the German Embassy in Cameroon supported the rehabilitation of the Bafut Palace Museum with funding of USD 65,000. This crucial support laid the foundation for a more modern and structured museum space, enabling inventory work by visiting German experts.

Thanks to this project, the current museum structure reflects a more organized and professional preservation of the kingdom’s tangible cultural heritage.

German Embassy Bafut Museum Project

🌍 Prince Claus Cultural Emergency Fund & Heritage Alliance (2022)

In 2022, the Prince Claus Cultural Emergency Fund and the Alliance for the Protection of Heritages in Crisis Areas carried out vital preservation efforts at the Bafut Palace. These included:

  • ✅ Extension of the palace security wall
  • ✅ Restoration of the Achum Shrine ceilings
  • ✅ Rehabilitation of a destroyed Queen’s residence

All restoration was done using traditional methods and materials, preserving Bafut’s authentic craftsmanship. Skills were passed on through peer-to-peer training, ensuring cultural continuity.

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Prince Claus Project Bafut

🔍 Looking Ahead: Preserving Legacy Through Global Partnerships

These collaborations highlight the growing global recognition of the Bafut Palace as a cultural and historical landmark of African heritage. From the rehabilitation of ancient structures to empowering the next generation through traditional knowledge, every initiative contributes to safeguarding the palace’s legacy.

As the Bafut Palace continues to evolve, we remain committed to welcoming new partners, researchers, cultural enthusiasts, and development actors to join us in our mission of preserving heritage, promoting unity, and advancing cultural sustainability.

Together, we protect the past to empower the future.