Culture is the foundation.
Renaissance is the project.

ONG Wa Afriki, established July 23, 2022 in Ouidah, brought into compliance on April 5, 2026 with framework law n°2025-19 on associations and foundations in the Republic of Benin (IFU: 6202683958025). A social, apolitical, not-for-profit association.

Wa Afriki operates under the supervision of Ouidah's traditional guardians, those who never appear in public, but without whom nothing is authentic.

Vision

An Africa aware, proud and reconciled with its history.

Contribute to the emergence of an Africa that is aware and proud, reconciled with its history and its endogenous knowledge, turning them into levers for social development and community cohesion. Serve as a platform of mediation between tradition-guardians and modernity.

The 6 statutory objectives

  • Promote the historical values of African civilization
  • Contribute to the legal and judicial protection of cultural heritage, including sacred spaces
  • Guarantee an ecology of safety and respect for the sacred
  • Foster the free integration of Afro-descendants and Africans of the diaspora
  • Design and implement social, educational, cultural and artistic projects, including organizing events
  • Contribute to public development policy in the Republic of Benin, through a strategic partnership with the State and international institutions

Missions

Six strategic axes.

Event outreach

Organize cultural, spiritual and educational platforms of international standing, notably through After Vodundays, Vodun Vibes and the African New Year.

Heritage protection

Document, digitize and archive endogenous traditions in collaboration with the elders and tradition-guardians, to ensure their transmission to future generations.

Reconnection engineering

Structure welcome and identity-immersion programs to support the diaspora and Afro-descendants in their return to the source.

Alternative education

Support children's civic and identity awakening through alternative learning models: the WA AFRIKI Awakening Center, The Children's Voice, cultural immersion camps.

Gender advocacy

Elevate the role of African women and the sacredness of motherhood, through awareness campaigns and committed cultural productions.

Partnerships & autonomy

Develop strategic local and international partnerships, including a framework agreement with the Beninese State recognizing the organization's social utility.

General Assembly

The supreme body. Sets direction, elects board members, votes the budget and approves the accounts.

Board of Directors

5 members elected for 5 years, renewable once. Political management and appointment of executive staff.

PresidentTESSY K. Emile
Secretary GeneralHOUNON A. A. W. Bertian
Treasurer GeneralSANTOS Ayaba Albertine Elisabeth

Supervisory Board

3 independent members, elected for 5 years, renewable once. Oversight of compliance, ethics, and handling of complaints.

Executive Management

Recruited by the Board of Directors. Technically responsible for operational, administrative and financial management.

Photo coming soon

The founder, Secretary General

Avlessi W. Bertian Hounon Agbessi

Born December 1996 · Ouidah, Benin

Grandson of Dada Daagbo Hounon Houna I, Supreme Chief of Vodun, whose work has contributed to the international recognition of the tradition. Descendant of the Dossou-Yovo lineage, a historic mediator between the African and Western worlds during the Atlantic slave trade.

Specialized in Vodun and Fa since 2016. Self-taught in computing since 2015, using digital tools in service of his civilizational vision. Founder of Wa LaB (Digital Lab) and ONG Wa Afriki.

"I did not choose this path out of ease. It is a mission, sometimes heavy, but always noble. My heritage is my foundation, but my vision is my project."

After Vodundays

Active

2025-

The immersive experience complementing the official Vodundays. Annual. Expanding. The gateway to Vodun Immersion.

African New Year 6263

Upcoming

2026

August 14-16, 2026. Ouidah, Benin. The pan-African event that brings the global diaspora together around the ancestral African calendar.

Vodun Immersion

In development

Long term

The deep cultural and spiritual pilgrimage, several weeks of total immersion. The culmination of Bertian's vision for Ouidah as the world's spiritual center.

Wa Afriki Awakening Center

In development

Ongoing

A space dedicated to cultural transmission and revival in Ouidah. A physical place where tradition is passed on to future generations.

2

leads per 10

1 certified guide + 1 lead hostess per team of 10. As many teams as demand justifies, never mixed.

5-6

convents visited

During the Vodun Circuit, direct dialogue with tradition-guardians, plus nightly debriefs with dignitaries.

10M

FCFA generated

Direct revenue for local communities and artisans per edition.

30K

people reached

Through digital campaigns and content produced during each edition.

International bank transfer

BeneficiaryWA AFRIKI
BankUBA Benin, Ouidah Branch
IBANBJ0670150950910000233343
SWIFT/BICCOBBBJBJ
IFU6202683958025

Mobile Money & Contact

MTN MoMo+229 01 61 70 36 66

For any donation, partnership or sponsorship, please state the purpose of your transfer. An official receipt will be issued to you.