The Challenge of Contract Archaeology in Africa

The Call of Nouakchott as well as recent mega projects such as the Pipeline Chad-Cameroon and the Meroe Dam Archaeological Salvage have triggered renewed awareness of what is at stakes in relation to the preservation of Africa’s cultural resources. In spite of these seemingly successful ventures, there are still enormous challenges awaiting the establishment of contract archaeology on the continent. This paper focuses on illustrating some of the key issues that need to be tackled in order to assist the process of bringing contract archaeology into the mainstream of planning and development. Attention will be given to legislation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and the establishment of professional standards.