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< Back Interview with Hayatte Ndiaye, President of the national order of architects of Chad Hayatte Ndiaye, president of the National Order of Architects of Chad, emphasizes the importance of defining the vision of African cities and implementing urbanization plans through strategic tools. She believes that financing the urbanization of cities is crucial, as it promotes local economies, supports industrialization, and creates jobs locally. Ndiaye emphasizes the need for a sustainable city that addresses local needs and incorporates financial policies that promote local economies. She believes that the current African city is built on fortuitous foundations that are disconnected from reality, and that a strong political will is needed to design a more sustainable future. She calls for young urban planners and architects to experiment with the local context, study the history of cities and civilizations, and question their social and cultural framework. She calls for the younger generation to continue this work of cultural reappropriation and take on new challenges such as security, health, environmental issues, and digital and technological issues. “I am Hayatte Ndiaye, pioneer architect and president of the National Order of Architects of Chad” My journey began in Chad where I did my primary and part of my secondary education before moving to France where I obtained a scientific baccalaureate. I then joined the Institut Supérieur d’Architecture Victor Horta / Université Libre de Bruxelles, for a course in architecture: design and realization of buildings. Upon graduation, I began my professional career in France with the Parisian firm Architecture Studio where I worked for a year before returning to Chad in 2009, which was then in the middle of a construction boom thanks to the oil windfall. Back in N’Djaména, I collaborated with the Cabinet Atepa on two major public works from 2009 to 2011, before setting up the Hayatt Architecture firm. Under the seal of responsible architecture, the firm defends an unconventional architecture, respectful of the environment, which pays particular attention to the energy performance of the building. The social dimension and the impact that architecture can have on the daily life of people have always been at the center of my concerns. Member of the international jury of the African School of Architecture and Urbanism (EAMAU) graduation, I also intervene in various conferences, including the West African Festival of Architecture (WAAF).Member of the international jury TERRA AWARD SAHEL and the Forum of Earthen Construction Actors (FACT Sahel), I will be at the origin of the international conference, Sustainable Habitat in the Sahel, the first edition of which will be held in April 2018 in N’Djamena. In July 2019, I was elected president of the National Order of Architects of Chad (ONAT), and in November of the same year, we organized in N’Djaména the very first round table of architecture on the future of African cities, with the theme «African cities of the future», which brought together many actors in the world of construction, including about fifteen presidents of continental and international orders. Under the aegis of the National Assembly, I will preside in March 2021, the jury of the architectural competition for the construction of the memorial stele of Bohoma, a locality on Lake Chad. “Urbanization should not be a matter of chance” Urban development must be the result of a long-term vision, a conscious and concerted vision, accompanied by a substantial financing plan, likely to support its implementation. This regalian mission for the future of our cities and the image they project is the responsibility of our states, and should not be the result of a haphazard process, built according to the financial aid of international organizations or the specifications of intransigent donors. The urgency is therefore in the definition of this vision of the actors of the African city, of the present and the future of their living environment, and in the implementation of this urbanization plan through a transcendent leadership of our governors. These visions must be guided by strategic tools, including territorial coherence plans for the harmonious development of our territories. To effectively mobilize financing, we must put in place mechanisms that promote the development of local economies, supporting industrialization, and creating jobs locally. It is unacceptable that after decades of independence we are still relying on international donations to finance development. The question of financing the urbanization of our cities is therefore crucial. Most African cities develop in spontaneous concentric rings around a more or less planned central core. These unplanned new districts crystallize most of the governance problems that these cities face. It is therefore essential to question our modes of production of urban space, when we know that even our villages respond to well-defined principles and schemes in their development. For example, public squares occupy a central place in our villages and disappear in the orthogonality of our cities. Our way of making the city must take into consideration our culture, our identity, our uses by giving back to the village square its determining place in our cities. And because the African (subSaharan) man is by nature an outdoor man, particular care must be taken in the design and management of urban public spaces. Our cities must reflect the people who live in them, they must be more inclusive and more sustainable. Imported models, designed outside, have shown their limits because they are unsuitable. They often lead to dehumanization with all the consequences that we know. Integrating the notion of identity and culture in the planning of our cities from the outset is the price of their resilience. “The sustainable city is above all a city thought locally by the inhabitants” We are in a context of globalization where African cities are under attack from multinational firms, selling concepts and turnkey products, without having had the time to learn or to experiment, which is the key to sustainable development. It is therefore clear that for us the music is going a little too fast. If we consider that the notion of sustainability and its corollary, resilience, presuppose a mastery of the processes and techniques of creating and managing a city, the African city has every interest in defining and implementing its own score in this new voracious configuration of the world. Our cities are developing more and more rapidly, with a construction market in constant evolution. However, most of the building materials, representing 50% to 70% of the total cost of construction, come from imports. This has the effect of making access to housing expensive, excluding vulnerable people with low incomes, who represent the largest segment of the population. Panorama of N'djamena, Photo by Dmitry Moiseenko, austria-forum The advent of the sustainable city in Africa must therefore integrate financial policies that promote the development of local economies, have a holistic approach that integrates local expertise, and address the financial dimension in a sustainable manner. This is why the sustainable city is above all a city thought locally by its inhabitants, a city that responds to local needs, otherwise it becomes useless. Paradoxically, historically, African cities were sustainable cities, because they were designed according to their environment, and the ways of life of our ancestral societies. Unfortunately, all these skills have been abandoned in the design of the modern city. The current African city is built on fortuitous foundations that do not work because they are disconnected from reality. An introspection, a diagnosis and a repositioning are therefore necessary to build the city of tomorrow. “Strong political will is needed to design a more sustainable future for our cities” The construction of most of the world’s major cities is based on political visions and the commitment of governments. Similarly, in Africa, our leaders must first of all take a more proactive approach to urban issues. It is therefore through a strong, deliberate and conscious political will and citizenry, and a long-term projection of our cities that we can significantly and sustainably improve our urban environment. N'Djamena, Photo by Dzmitry Aleinik There is often an incompatibility between the problems we are experiencing and the answers that are given to them. It is more than urgent that our leaders become aware of the priority nature of the urban issue, as it has repercussions on the safety, health, well-being and economy of our cities. From this point on, we would gain by planning our cities with military rigor. The African city of tomorrow will therefore be the one we choose. “Young urban planners and architects must think in an uninhibited way about the design of African cities” The mission of young urban planners and architects on the continent is to experiment with the local context, to study the history of our cities and civilizations, to question their social and cultural framework, etc. This should allow them to have a specific look and to propose innovative and contextualized approaches to the development of our cities. They have the responsibility to reappropriate their history and to propose models that best correspond to the needs of our populations. David Adjaye and Francis Kéré, among others, are architects who should serve as an example for them because they have succeeded in breaking away from the classic and standardized approaches to architecture. These architects have paved the way, it is up to the younger generation to follow in their footsteps by continuing this work of cultural reappropriation which is the basis of our identity. The young generation of architects and urban planners must take on the new challenges facing our cities and countries, such as security, health and environmental issues with climate change, as well as digital and technological issues. Their greatest challenge will be to succeed in reconciling all these aspects so that we have cities that are pleasant to live in and that leave no one behind. Previous Next

< Back CPDI Africa EXPO 2022: Workshop & Excursion Nmadili Okwumabua CPDI Africa EXPO 2022 aims to develop new African architectural languages inspired by traditional and contemporary African societies. The workshop surveys innovations in African and Diaspora-built environments, introducing young design professionals and students to research initiatives of CPDI Africa. The 5 Pillars of Afrocentric Architecture, defined by culture, aesthetics, spirituality, materials, and community engagement, provide insight through African designed lenses to counter Eurocentric curricula in architecture, construction, and urban planning. The event concludes with a tour of Afrocentric built projects in Abuja. The CPDI Africa EXPO Workshop and Excursion hosted 45 delegates and students from private architecture practices, universities, and the University of Amsterdam. The workshops focused on using the CPDI Africa 5 Pillars of Afrocentric Architecture to solve real environmental issues and improve design briefs in school and professional practice. The workshops addressed cultural, aesthetic, spiritual, materials, and community engagement issues in Nigerian built environments. Feedback from the event showed how students will incorporate this research into their projects, tackling heritage preservation, environmental protection, and sustainable development from African-centered perspectives. This CPDI Africa Workshop introduces participants to the concepts for developing new African architectural languages, inspired by the culture and technology of traditional and contemporary African societies. We harness solutions to today’s-built environment problems, that are sourced from African science and design philosophies. The workshop surveys innovations in both the African and Diaspora-built environment, introducing young design professionals and students to the research initiatives of CPDI Africa, using the Art of African Architecture exhibition as a theoretical reference for the workshop outcomes. The Expo concluded with a tour of Afrocentric built projects in Abuja, FCT, with certificates awarded, PLUS 20 credits in ARCON continued professional development credits – Architects Registration Council of Nigeria. Highlights included: Workshop & Certificates, Meetings with CPDI Africa instructors, Excursions to Afrocentric Architecture in Abuja, Art of African Architecture Exhibition. The theme for CPDI Africa EXPO 2022 was developed around the need to identify ways of preserving heritage in the African built environment, by sourcing the solutions from indigenous science, technology, and design philosophies. CPDI Africa EXPO 2022 Nike Art Gallery According to our research, gathered from heritage preservation practitioners, sustainable design professionals, and cultural studies professors in institutions of higher learning, the aesthetically displeasing / lack of affordable housing / poor utilization of design personnel / disharmony in community space / poor functionality of our built spaces, are all due to the lack of an African centered pedagogy taught in our curriculums of architecture, construction and urban planning. As a result, the CPDI Africa Global Studio for African Centered Architecture, through its live and virtual workshops, has begun to resolve the current crisis, by bringing African centered education to the student and professional via its independently run academic platform. Defined by what CPDI Africa coins as the 5 Pillars of Afrocentric Architecture: culture, aesthetics, spirituality, materials and community engagement, our students receive insight through these African designed lenses, to counter the crippling Eurocentric curriculums used in built environment faculties and programs, not only in Africa but throughout the Diaspora. ‘The CPDI Africa EXPO 2022 Workshop and Excursion builds upon our organizations vision to research, develop and preserve African architectural languages, that are culturally and environmentally sustainable. The EXPO welcomed young architects and students of the allied built environment professions to engage in the development of this pedagogy, and experience firsthand various built projects developed with these African design principals. The Community Planning & Design Initiative – CPDI Africa - was launched in 2014, to host African architecture competitions, Afrocentric design internships and certificate programs.’ Nmadili Okwumabua, Founder, Director CPDI Africa Global Studio for African Centered Architecture CPDI Africa identified that the result of a lack of inward facing curriculums, universities in Africa, graduate design professionals that have spent the better part of their educational career, imbibing knowledge of the built environment developed by and for people in cultures and geographical locations outside of African spaces. These ideologies, materials, aesthetics, professional processes, and regulations are then replicated and practiced throughout Africa, creating built landscapes that are dysfunctional for the people they are built for. They create problems never experienced before on the continent, that require yet another foray into seeking solutions from Eurocentric pedagogy and practices, that further compound the already failing system. The cycle repeats itself, leaving both the end user and the design professional without comfortable, affordable spaces built, and lack of employment for the local labor force. The workshops were suited towards exposing how the students could use the CPDI Africa 5 Pillars of Afrocentric Architecture, to solve real issues in the environment, thereby improving on how they propose real solutions, via their design briefs in school and in professional practice. If Afrocentric architecture does not provide solutions to the people’s problem, then it is irrelevant, offers zero value to the community. For instance, the first pillar: culture. Students were asked to list some of the top problems they have with the way our homes are designed, or their communities were master planned. For Aesthetics, they were to list some of the unpleasant ways our buildings look, in terms of beauty, finishing, maintenance, the feeling they evoke visually. For spirituality, they were to identify some challenges they have with how faith-based practices impact the built environment, or how special sensitivities to religious practices were not being met in public spaces. For Materials, they listed some of the top issues they had with the type of materials, ease of use and cost of materials, and the negative impact on health and housing accessibility. And finally for community engagement, they articulated some of the ways they felt the community has been disengaged from participating in providing a safe, clean, affordable, creative neighborhood. For the exercise, they were to select one built environment listed and provide an African inspired solution, using either an example from their own cultural heritage, or from any other source from within the African Diaspora. Keynote lectures, group and individual activities where guided by CPDI Africa founder Nmadili Okwumbua, the event Partners and CPDI Africa team of cultural architects. The CPDI Africa EXPO Workshop and Excursion hosted 45 delegates and students from private architecture practices, universities throughout Nigeria, as well as the University of Amsterdam. Keynote lectures, individual and group workshop exercises were conducted, and the field trips to five Nigerian inspired built projects were completed. The educational content was innovative in its problem-solving approach. “The CPDI Africa EXPO was not only a life changing but also a soul unravelling experience for me. Walking around different spaces that reflected the culture, tradition, aesthetics and spirituality of my people, helped me fully understand my existence as a native within the ‘Nigeria environment’. For the first time in a long time, I felt excited for the future of Nigeria’s Architecture. The EXPO rekindled my passion to retell the stories of my people through Architecture…” Salimat Yewande Bakare, Eastern Mediterranean University “The CPDI Africa EXPO was nourishing – it was nourishing sharing a space with young like minded individuals so keen on absorbing knowledge on our roots. We were re-thinking and imagining our built environment in a way that called the past into our now, and the future into our present. I felt the power of what it means to say ‘this is possible, we can do this, we can do this now!’. I felt nourished at the prospect of a Beautifully designed Nigeria; the workshop highlighted the very collectivity and individuality of such a dream.” Chimira Obiefule, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands The important takeaways from the two-day exercise were the feedback from the delegates and students, speaking on how they will incorporate this research and way of thinking about architecture and urban design, into their individual projects. Their testimonials begin to show how they will use this knowledge to tackle heritage preservation, environmental protection and sustainable development from African centered perspectives. The most critical areas highlighted by the students was the improvement made in sacred spaces, and the cost saving implications of using locally sourced, standardized building materials. We will continue to host internships, workshops and excursions that bring this pedagogy to a larger audience, moving the sites to countries around Africa and the diaspora. Providing the Certificates in Afrocentric Architecture also helps to validate the scholarship, as we continue to promote its inclusion in the curriculums in our major architecture programs Africa wide. “CPDI Africa Expo "22 was probably the most exciting event I have attended this year, it was not just fun but educative as well, and an eye opener. Seeing a lot of architects or rather Afrocentric architects come together to discuss deep issues in the industry and how best to implement these discuss in our designs was probably the best part of the event. The community is growing, and I am glad to be part of it, 5yrs from now the community will be so large that one would wish he had joined sooner, I am certain of this. We just have to be true to ourselves, because Afrocentric Architecture lives in sincerity, and this expo has made me realize that.” Ikechukwu Godspower, University of Nigeria, Nuskka Previous Next

We invite researchers, practitioners, organizations, and urban actors to contribute to the special issue of African Cities Magazine (Issue 7), dedicated to financing african cities. African Cities Magazine Issue 7 African Cities Magazine, published by the Africa Innovation Network, is a distinguished platform dedicated to showcasing transformative urban development across Africa. Its mission is to highlight the beauty, diversity, challenges, and opportunities of African cities today, while envisioning the cities of tomorrow. What is the content of this seventh edition? Special feature: Financing cities in Africa Africa is experiencing one of the fastest urbanization processes in the world. Cities are expanding at an unprecedented pace, driven by demographic growth, rural-urban migration, and evolving economic dynamics. By 2050, more than half of the continent’s population will live in urban areas, intensifying the demand for infrastructure, housing, services, and public spaces. Yet, this rapid urban growth is unfolding in a context marked by limited fiscal capacity, fragmented governance, and significant investment gaps. In this context, financing African cities has become a critical challenge. Traditional funding models—often reliant on public budgets and external aid—are no longer sufficient to meet the scale and complexity of urban needs. There is an urgent need to explore innovative, inclusive, and sustainable financing mechanisms capable of supporting the development of resilient and equitable cities. This special feature of African Cities Magazine (Issue 7) is dedicated to addressing a central question: How can African cities be financed? We invite researchers, practitioners, institutions, and urban stakeholders to contribute to this reflection by sharing insights, experiences, and forward-looking perspectives. The objective is first to unpack the current landscape of urban finance in Africa . Contributions may examine existing financing mechanisms, such as municipal revenues, public-private partnerships, land value capture, or international funding, and analyze their effectiveness, limitations, and adaptability to local contexts. Understanding how cities currently mobilize and allocate financial resources is key to identifying structural bottlenecks and opportunities for reform. Secondly, this issue seeks to explore innovative financing approaches that can better respond to the realities of African urbanization . This includes alternative models such as community-based financing, digital finance solutions, climate finance, impact investment, and blended finance mechanisms. Particular attention will be given to how these tools can enhance inclusivity, support informal economies, and strengthen local governance capacities. Finally, the special feature will highlight concrete case studies and practical experiences from across the continent . These contributions will showcase how cities, institutions, and communities are experimenting with new financial instruments, governance arrangements, and partnerships to fund urban development projects. Lessons learned from these initiatives will help inform scalable and context-sensitive solutions. By bringing together diverse perspectives, this issue aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of urban finance challenges and opportunities in Africa, while providing actionable insights for policymakers, urban planners, investors, and civil society actors. Ultimately, it seeks to foster new pathways toward financing cities that are more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. We welcome contributions from academics, practitioners, organizations, and urban actors engaged in financing urban development in Africa. Share your research, experiences, and ideas to help shape this essential conversation on the future of African cities. Portrait and interviews This section spotlights visionary individuals and organizations driving urban innovation for more sustainable and resilient African cities. It features urban planners, architects, engineers, artists, and innovators developing transformative solutions, alongside companies, research institutions, and design firms pioneering change. Through in-depth interviews and profiles, this segment highlights the leaders shaping Africa’s urban future. Urban Planning & Innovation How can African cities become more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable while enhancing the quality of life for all citizens? This section explores best practices in urban planning, featuring groundbreaking development projects, governance frameworks, local initiatives, and research that integrate innovative solutions to foster sustainable urban transformation across the continent. Architecture & Innovation Architecture serves as the structural and cultural backbone of cities. This section showcases cutting-edge architectural solutions addressing key urban challenges such as climate change adaptation, affordable housing, and social inclusion. It highlights innovative design practices, sustainable building projects, and emerging architectural techniques that enhance urban living while preserving Africa’s unique identity. African Architecture & Urban Heritage With its rich architectural heritage, Africa is home to centuries-old building techniques that continue to shape modern design. This section highlights traditional architecture, heritage conservation, and contemporary projects inspired by traditional African construction methods. It explores both preserved and endangered heritage sites, emphasizing the role of restoration, adaptive reuse, and cultural identity in contemporary urban development. Cities Pixels and Colors Cities are living canvases, reflecting the diversity, culture, and innovation of their inhabitants. This section celebrates the visual identity of African cities through photography, digital art, paintings, sketches, sculptures, and illustrations. By merging urban aesthetics and creative expression, Cities, Pixels & Colours captures the vibrancy and uniqueness of Africa’s urban landscapes, offering a visual narrative of city life. What type of contributions are we expecting ? We welcome two types of articles: Research Articles and Project Articles. Research articles A research article for African Cities Magazine is a cross-disciplinary scholarly work that presents original research findings related to African cities. These articles contribute to the advancement of knowledge by exploring key urban challenges, proposing innovative solutions, and engaging with contemporary debates on city development in Africa. These articles must offer new perspectives on urban transformation in Africa, bridging theory and practice. They should be well-researched, evidence-based, and insightful, making them valuable to urban planners, architects, policymakers, and researchers engaged in shaping African cities. Authors should follow the submission model provided in the attached concept note. Research must be well-structured, analytically rigorous, and align with the thematic focus of African Cities Magazine. Each research article should follow a clear and structured format, with a maximum length of 2,000 words, including: Abstract (max 250 words) – Summarizes the research, objectives, and key findings. Argument (max 1000 words) – Develops the core research question, theoretical framework, and methodology. Discussion (max 1000 words) – Analyzes results, implications, and contributions to urban studies. Conclusion (max 250 words) – Highlights key takeaways and future research directions. References – Properly cited sources to support the research. The deadline for submitting research articles is 30 June 2026. Project articles A project article for African Cities Magazine is a detailed, structured presentation of a real-world initiative that has positively transformed urban spaces in Africa. These articles showcase best practices, innovative approaches, and successful case studies that contribute to sustainable, inclusive, and resilient cities. They highlight impactful projects that can inspire other cities, planners, and policymakers by sharing valuable lessons, challenges, and solutions. Each project should introduce creative methodologies to address urban challenges, demonstrate measurable community impact, and serve as a scalable best practice. Submissions must align with the magazine’s key themes, emphasizing transformative urban innovations. Each project article should be a maximum of 2,000 words and follow a clear five-part structure: Abstract (250 words max) - Brief introduction to the project: What is it about? What problem does it address? Project Rationale (500 words max) - Context and background: What urban issue led to the creation of this project? The needs and challenges it aims to solve, The stakeholders involved. Project Approach (500 words max) - Detailed methodology: How was the project developed and implemented? The innovative strategies used, Key partnerships and collaboration efforts, etc. Project Impact (500 words max) - How has the project improved urban life? (Sustainability, inclusivity, resilience, economic benefits, etc.), Data, statistics, or testimonials showing its effectiveness, Any challenges faced and lessons learned. Conclusion (250 words max) - Final reflections on the project’s success and limitations, Potential for replication in other cities, Future developments or expansions planned. References – Any supporting research, reports, or sources that validate the project's success. The deadline for submitting project articles is 30 June 2026. Key Dates & Process Call for Contributions (1 April – 30 April 2026) The call for contributions opens on 1st April, inviting researchers, practitioners, and urban professionals to submit tentative abstracts and titles for their proposed articles. At this stage, authors have the flexibility to refine and modify their content later in the process. Abstract Review & Selection (1 May – 8 May 2026) Between 1 May and 8 May, submitted abstracts will undergo an initial review by the scientific committee, assessing their relevance, originality, and alignment with the theme of the magazine. Authors will be notified of the acceptance or rejection of their abstracts by 10 May. Full Article Submission (30 June 2026) Authors with accepted abstracts must submit their full articles by 30 June. These submissions must be made through the African cities magazine website. The submission link will be shared with the authors. Every submission must follow this process. Peer Review Process (1 July – 15 August 2026) From 1 July to 15 August, the scientific committee will conduct a detailed review of the submitted articles. The submissions will be subject to a rigorous peer review process to ensure quality, coherence, and academic relevance. Reviewers will provide feedback, comments, and recommendations for revisions. Notification of Accepted Articles (22 August 2026) Authors will be notified of the final selection of articles on 22 August. Articles requiring revisions must be updated based on the reviewers’ comments. Submission of Final Revised Articles (12 September 2026) Authors must submit their final, corrected versions incorporating reviewers' feedback by 12 September. This ensures the quality and rigor of all published contributions. Editing and Layout (15 September – 17 October 2026) Once finalized, articles will undergo professional editing and layout formatting between 15 September and 17 October to prepare the magazine for publication. Official Publication (31 October 2026) The African Cities Magazine edition 6 will be officially published on 31 October on Africa Innovation Network website, making it available to urban researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and the broader public. Submission of tentative abstracts and titles for the African Cities Magazine 7 We are pleased to announce the commencement of the 7th edition of the African Cities Magazine. Share your interest in submitting an article by filling out the form below. Together, let's foster meaningful discourse and drive positive change in our urban landscapes. First name* Last name* Organization/institution Contact email* In which section do you want to submit an article?* Special feature: Financing cities in Africa Urban planning innovation Architecture Innovation African Architecture and Urban Heritage Cities Pixels and Colors What type of article do you want to submit ?* Project article Research article Research articles: These are articles that take a transversal approach to one or more subjects and they correspond to one of 4 categories: Urban planning innovation; Architecture and innovation; Africa’s architecture and urban heritage; and Cities pixels and colors. Project articles: These are articles that present an inspiring projects with a high impact in one of the 4 categories: Urban planning innovation Architecture and innovation; Africa’s architecture and urban heritage; Heading of your article (tentative)* The title of your article. This doesn’t need to be the final one. You will be able to change it during the final submission. Your article abstract (Tentative) This is the very beginning of your research article, that provides an overview of the topic that is to be described in greater detail in the final article. In this section you should provide your article statement; this is simply a summary of what you’re setting out to demonstrate in your article. Submit

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