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< Back African Cities Magazine 1 October 31, 2020 With a series of innovations, initiatives, and projects on urban planning, architecture, or design, this first edition showcases how innovative ideas and solutions shape urban systems into more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable human settlements in Africa. Through different portraits and interviews of practitioners, innovators, and change-makers in architecture and urban development, we hope to share experiences, examples, best practices, and tools for a more sustainable future. We also hope to showcase the beauty, diversity, challenges, and opportunities in African cities of today, as well as paint a picture of what the cities of tomorrow will look like. Interview with Romarick ATOKE. Architect HMONP Head of Architecture & Urban Design, at Sèmè City Development Agency I keep a fairly optimistic vision of the African city by 2050. Through the ambition and commitment of our leaders combined with the determination, expertise and know-how of the actors of the city that we are, this African city will be resilient and sustainable Architecture Innovation The Warka Village aspires to transform the landscape of comprehensive human development by utilizing low-cost, sustainable, community-driven, high-impact multisector development interventions tailored to the village’s specific needs. Smart city projects in Africa Diamniadio in Senegal emphasizes connectivity with fiber networks and IoT-driven services, aiming to transform urban planning. Semecity in Benin fosters a knowledge-based economy, integrating smart tech in education and entrepreneurship. Morocco’s Benguerir Green City prioritizes eco-friendly design, with solar energy and sustainable infrastructure leading its development. Akon City , also in Senegal, envisions a blockchain-based hub for tourism and technology, although still in its initial phases. Cities Pixels and colors English version Version française Previous Next

< Back African Pre-colonial City-States: Why we need to look back to move forward Heba Elhanafy The African cities we live in today are a result of many years of development, progress, and sometimes distortions. They are a product of colonial powers, poor policies, and ill-capacitated institutions. However, African cities are also shaped by people, cultures, and traditions. The stories of African cities are as old as Africans and their civilizations. For a long time, literature on African cities has concentrated on the post-colonial and colonial periods. It has deprived the world of essential knowledge and understanding of African cities. The lack of research on pre-colonial African cities has created a blind spot in understanding the intricate organizational and governance structure. Those structures resulted in cities that were trade, learning, and culture centers. They had sophisticated urban planning and impressive architecture. Those stories are often overlooked, while the stories of how things went wrong in African cities are frequently highlighted. City-states rose in both West and East Africa. Some evolved into great empires like the Ashanti Empire in West Africa, some controlled trade routes like Zanzibar and Kilwa, and others managed to maintain their anonymity under strong empires like Lagos under the Benin Empire. They also emerged for different reasons. While fertile land and iron mining attracted people to Kano, it was the Indian Ocean trade that shaped most of the East African city-states. Food surplus that was sold and taxed helped form Lagos. While every city-state had its own economic and governance models, which helped in the evolution of those cities, they all have a shared legacy of being indigenous creations sustained by trade, urban agriculture, and a strong connection with rural villages. Those African urban centers were dynamic, complex, diverse, and adapted to each era with different socioeconomic features and governance models. Pre-colonial African City-States were complex, sustainable, and diverse in their structures. City-states in pre-colonial Africa were quite diverse in their formation For instance, cities like Timbuktu and Gao in the Mali Empire grew to serve Saharan trade routes. Timbuktu was divided into different quarters, each serving distinct functions such as trade, education, and residential purposes. The city often established and maintained public routes that facilitated the movement of traders and goods and encouraged more trade. Similarly, the Hausa city-states, such as Kano and Katsina, featured fortified walls and gates, which provided security and controlled access to the city. They included specialized zones for craft production, trade, and residential quarters. Some of those specialized divisions can be seen to this day. On the Swahili east coast, city-states like Kilwa and Mombasa were built with narrow, winding streets that helped to mitigate the coastal heat. Large public spaces and markets facilitated social interaction and trade. The cities used local coral stones in their construction, forming durable and beautiful architectural designs. City growth responded to various purposes: trade, defense, and governance. It reflected a high degree of social and economic organization. Pre-colonial African City-States were centers of trade and economic hubs. Pre-colonial African city-states were vibrant economic hubs. They were often located along trade routes Their location facilitated the exchange of goods, and trade. Cities like Timbuktu and Gao were located along the trans-Saharan trade route. They connected West Africa with North Africa and the Mediterranean. Tax money went into building institutions, mosques, and libraries. The Swahili city-states played a major part in the Indian Ocean trading network. They traded ivory, gold, spices, fabrics, and even slaves. For example, Zanzibar and Kilwa controlled trade between the interior of Africa and the other parts of the Indian Ocean basin. These city-states also did business with Persia, India, China, and the Arabian Peninsula. Immigrants from the Arab Peninsula and Persian merchants went to those cities, thus creating a mixture of cultures between them and native people, leading to the development of the unique Swahili culture. View of Benin City as depicted in the 17th century publication by the Dutch writer Olfert Dapper (2020 © Trustees of the British Museum) Pre-colonial city-states were independent and sovereign Pre-colonial African city-states exhibited a diversity of governance structures. Authorities often governed on the city level, not the nation or the kingdom level. For example, the Yoruba city-states of Ife and Oyo in present-day Nigeria were ruled by their own Oba (king). The Oba governed with the support of councils of chiefs and other titled officials, each responsible for specific administrative functions such as finance, justice, and defense. Government officials collected taxes, regulated trade, and kept security. The Swahili city-states along the East African coast were governed by sultans or sheiks who controlled trade monopolies and diplomatic relations. While the governance systems varied across the city-states, they all maintained independence, were well-governed, and were well-supported by these local indigenous governing structures. Pre-colonial African urban settlements have a long and proud past; some still maintain some pre-colonial structures and organizational patterns till this day A number of those city-states, such as Benin City and Kumasi, were destroyed or absorbed by colonization, but many managed to survive. Lagos survived and expanded and is now the largest city in Africa. Some governance structures managed to survive as well. For example, many Nigerian cities still retain their monarchical rulership in addition to democratically elected leaders. Lagos still recognizes the «Oba» (king) as a monarchical ruler. Benin also has an «Oba», Kano has an «Emir», and Sokoto has a «Sultan». Some of the elements of pre-colonial economies can also be seen in former city-states like the Kurmi Market in Kano. If we skip forward to 2024, the state of African cities is deteriorating. Seventy percent of cities are informal, with limited water, sanitation, and electricity access. While, in general, cities have better access to labor markets than rural areas, most jobs remain unproductive, and wages remain insufficient to meet basic living standards. So, how did African cities go from independent, self-sufficient, and productive cities to the cities we have now? Yes, you guessed it right. European civilization uprooted our urban development progress. European colonization was a shock to African systems in general, but it was even a greater shock to our governance and urban systems. New cities, such as Nairobi and Lusaka, were built from the ground up to serve the newly incoming white population. Those cities were designed around segregation (e.g., till 1947, the native population in Lusaka could not access cities without special passports/ permits). They were also designed around control; colonial governments often took seats in major cities, and those cities were entirely under the control of national-level colonial governments. Colonialism also brought a set of building and design regulations, often copied from European laws. The cities were governed, occupied, and designed for European settler populations. Post-colonial leadership did not change much to the governance systems of African cities. In the fifties and sixties, national governments started gaining independence. Native populations flooded the city, searching for better work opportunities and access to services. But colonial approaches towards cities haven’t changed. The newly rising African elite replaced the white settlers. The poor remained in compounds and increased many folds on top of that. The laws remained unchanged; building regulations and impossible permits kept most newcomers from entering the formal market. Most importantly, in an attempt for the newly found independent national governments to form a tighter grip on their countries, they tightened the grip on cities, and local municipalities remained underfunded and incapacitated. As they stand, African cities need significant policy changes to transform into sustainable, productive human settlements. They also need infrastructure, jobs, and capacity building. The needs of African cities are covered well in all the literature, the press releases, the political statements, and the meetings. The United Nations (UN) projects that the world’s urban population will increase by over 2 billion people by 2050. 90% of Urbanization will happen in African and Asian Cities There are tons of new cities in Africa to absorb that urban growth in conception or under construction. Those projects often lack the knowledge of how our cities used to work. They also lack the idea of what our cities can be like.The best way to move forward is by looking at the past and realizing how sustainable, pragmatic, productive, and independent pre-colonial city-states were. If there is a clear lesson from reading into the history of these city-states, it is how a certain level of autonomy over the economics and governance gave room for them to rise and be self-sustaining. View of Benin City as depicted in the 17th century publication by the Dutch writer Olfert Dapper (2020 © Trustees of the British Museum) Previous Next

< Back La Voie-x des femmes: Révéler l’économie informelle dans l’espace public Manel ben hassouna De Lomé à Tunis, les femmes dans l’espace public sont les gardiennes majoritaires d’une économie de la survie qui s’approprient les « communs » urbains, ce qui permet d’entretenir, parfois d’aménager et de transformer des espaces, rues souvent délaissées par le politique et récupérées au service de besoins fondamentaux; sociaux et économiques. On vous partage un retour d’expérience qui nous vient du grand Tunis, fruit d’un projet associatif d’accompagnement de 10 femmes boulangères de la cité Aicha, située dans la commune de Mourouj au Sud du grand Tunis, des actions déployées en deux phases. Le projet porté par les femmes boulangères du quartier et les membres de l’association DAAME propose une approche collaborative des aménagements autour des espaces productifs, identitaires, présents de façon informelle dans les espaces publics d’un quartier en transformation. L’objectif principal du projet étant de co-fabriquer des espaces de travail dignes pour faire ville autrement, avec et pour les femmes boulangères. L’aventure humaine à l’issue de cette démarche a été très riche mais nombreux ont été les obstacles et les freins au déploiement du projet mettant à l’épreuve les ambitions de l’association, sa capacité d’accompagnement et sa volonté de répondre à l’ensemble des besoins des femmes boulangères de la cité Aichae. C’est ainsi le récit de 4 années de convergence des luttes issues de rencontres entre des citoyens, des professionnels de la ville, la collectivité, des étudiants, les usagers et utilisateurs de la rue rebaptisée par les porteurs du projet « La voie -x des femmes » Un contexte urbain, des usagers, des besoins et des défis Le grand Tunis est une agglomération, assemblage d’une mosaïque sociale disparate et reflet d’une forte ségrégation spatiale. Selon Abdelala Bounouh docteur en géographie et planification urbaine, une croissance urbaine dès le début des années 70 et plusieurs vagues de politiques de réhabilitation urbaine ont forgé le visage actuel de la ville et de ses périphéries. La Commune de Mourouj est le fruit des politiques publiques qui tendent à accompagner cette explosion urbaine en lotissant des parcelles d’habitation qui répondent à des besoins de logements abordables au détriment de terres agricoles fertiles (arboriculture et maraîchage). Des fonciers sous tension qui se transforment de façon formelle et informelle et qui accueillent diverses formes d’improvisations et appropriations de l’espace public La commune rassemble un ensemble de quartiers stratégiquement implantés dans un bassin économique et industriel à fort rayonnement sur le grand Tunis. On y trouve plusieurs polarités économiques stratégiques comme le marché du gros, à quelques minutes de notre site, mais aussi un tissu économique dit de proximité qui répond aux besoins et services quotidiens des habitants du quartier. Les femmes boulangères au cœur du projet que nous souhaitons vous partager sont à la base de cette économie de proximité qui profite aussi d’une clientèle venue de loin pour le marché de gros. Léa Lambert membre de l’association DAAME depuis 2022 et co-organisatrice du chantier de la phase 2 in situ, nous raconte : « Ces femmes produisent du pain traditionnel dans des fours en terre en argile. Elles sont organisées autour d’une rue à cheval entre la commune de Mourouj et la commune de Ben Arous. Ces femmes sont voisines, elles vivent dans le même quartier mais sont séparées par une frontière administrative bien réelle. Chacune d’entre elles a construit un petit atelier en face de sa maison, dans laquelle elle vit avec sa famille, juste de l’autre côté de la route … » La rue est donc devenue, par l’usage, une continuité de «chez elles». On y observe des espaces en autogestion avec des ateliers de fortune implantés en bordure de route et qui abritent cette activité nourricière souvent essentielle aux foyers : « Sur l’un, c’est une bâche en plastique qui fait office de toiture, sur l’autre c’est un assortiment de planches de bois, le tout calciné et noirci au rythme de l’allumage des fours…» Anciens ateliers sur le domaine public. Ateliers-abris initiaux fait de réemploi de différents matériaux : bâches en plastique supports en bois et autres matériaux composites. El Mourouj, Cité Aicha, 2022, Copyright Rachid Ben Attallah. Ces femmes travailleuses de l’économie informelle, occupent illégalement l’espace publique. Elles sont régulièrement stigmatisées par les habitants du quartier, menacées d’expulsion, ou mises en danger par la structure fébrile des ateliers qui semblent proche de s’écrouler. Pourtant, lors du mois de Ramadan, les clients font la queue par dizaines devant chacun des ateliers. Juste avant la rupture du jeûne, les fours tournent à plein régime et un grand nombre de Tunisois font plusieurs kilomètres pour venir acheter leurs « khobs tabouna » - nom que porte un Pain ancestral cuit dans des fours en terre nommé « Tabouna » , à la Cité Aicha. » La voix de la révolution sociale tunisienne a été portée dans sa genèse par un marchand de rue, nommé Mohamed Bouazizi, représentant de cette économie informelle, de cette énergie de la débrouillardise en quête d’un gagne-pain, de dignité, de reconnaissance et de protection dans une société qui la marginalise et qui l’évoque à travers ces nuisances et sa précarité. Les membres de la jeune association, guidés par la ligne directrice de leur engagement, à savoir l’accompagnement des femmes qui pratiquent une activité professionnelle sur les limites de l’espace public, ont répondu présent quand la municipalité a porté à leur attention cette organisation humaine et configuration spatiale identitaire. Au-delà de penser des abris il était question de penser des espaces à multiples-usages ; une rue qui répond à la chronotopie des différents besoins, des différents usages : « s’abriter, faire du pain dans des fours en terre, prendre le temps de se rencontrer, végétaliser, s’asseoir, faire son jardin potager, stocker du bois, vendre du pain etc. » . Très vite le projet va prendre une dimension urbaine, au-delà des ateliers c’est les interphases avec la rue, avec le voisinage, avec les espaces de circulation qu’il a fallu définir et aménager. La genèse du projet est issue de la rencontre entre les femmes de la cité Aicha, les agents de la municipalité et la fondatrice de l’association Daame, Chiraz Gafsia nous raconte : « Au commencement, c’est une initiative municipale, dès 2018, portée par une envie de donner un meilleur cadre de vie aux femmes de la cité Aicha, de mieux les intégrer au quartier. Une initiative inspirée par la démarche de co-construction de l’association DAAME à Hay Hllel, projet financé par un fond du CCFD - Terre Solidaire et qui avait pour Objectif l’accompagnement des femmes potières dans la création d’espaces de travail dignes à Hay Hllel. » L’association a immédiatement répondu présente et a partagé son intérêt à accompagner à la fois la municipalité et les femmes dans la définition des besoins, l’écriture d’un projet, la recherche de financements et sa mise en œuvre. A partir du moment où l’association a répondu à un appel à financement avec ce projet, l’Institut Français de Tunis a accordé sa confiance à DAAME avec un fond qui a permis de lancer les activités et le partenariat avec la municipalité de Mourouj. Dès les premiers échanges, l’association a sensibilisé la municipalité à l’importance de définir un cadre légal dans lequel s’inscrit la collaboration avec l’accord des femmes. Une convention qui associe la municipalité et l’association DAAME, un cadre qui s’inscrit dans la décentralisation en cours. Comme l’indique Chiraz Gafsia : « Il nous a fallu une année pour nous accorder et signer ce document clé qui a permis de légitimer les actions et les accompagnements de l’association aux yeux des représentants de l’État décentralisé, des habitants et des autorités y compris la police. Il ne faut pas oublier que nos actions avaient aussi pour impact de légaliser une activité du secteur informel – dite illégale, par des aménagements d’espace public qui aideraient à reconnaître le rôle des femmes dans le quartier, et l’importance du savoir-faire dont elles sont les ambassadrices… » . Parmi les attentes envers la municipalité, les membres de l’association évoquent la délivrance des autorisations d’occupation des ateliers- lieux de travail ouvert sur l’espace public et la reconnaissance du statut d’artisane de ces femmes par l’état décentralisé, ce qui leur donnerait sur le long terme accès à des droit sociaux. Malheureusement la fragilité de la municipalité à l’époque n’a pas permis à l’association d’obtenir des autorisations d’occupation pour l’ensemble des dix ateliers, la municipalité a préféré faire un accord au cas par cas, au fur et à mesure de la livraison des ateliers affectés, « un conditionnement qui a limité l’impact de notre approche…» constate Chiraz Gafsia. Selon la convention de partenariat, la municipalité devait jouer un rôle de partenaire de tous les instants, être présente et engagée dans toutes les phases du projet y compris le chantier et ce pour: Le nettoyage des emprises du projet avant le démarrage des opérations, pour les activités en lien avec l’aménagement des trottoirs en fournissant des pavés autobloquants et en veillant aux respect de la gestion des eaux pluviales. L’élagage des arbres et haies vives sur les limites séparatives (Public/Privé). Par ailleurs, l’équipe de DAAME a beaucoup insisté, dès le démarrage sur la part pédagogique et le rôle central de médiateur que devait jouer la municipalité dans les rapports avec les voisins privés-promoteurs. Selon Chiraz Gafisa : « La municipalité a joué son rôle dans la première phase mais a été beaucoup moins présente dans la deuxième… Au total, nous avons connu 4 vagues de référents côté municipalité, entre la première phase et la deuxième : équipe initiale, dissolution des conseils municipaux, représentations par intérim, nouvelles nominations et donc nouvelle équipe… Il est évident que cette configuration nous a fortement ralenti, fragilisé et a causé beaucoup d’allers-retours pour assurer le suivi et reconstruire à nouveau des liens de confiance avec chaque nouvelle équipe. Une configuration qui a aussi allongée les temps de validation et qui a occasionnée des retards dans la planification initiale et avec cet étalement dans le temps, une forte inflation dans le budget estimatif de départ…» Réunion publique. Co construction du projet avec les femmes artisanes. El Mourouj, Cité Aicha, 2022, Copyright DAAME. Réunion publique. Courte description: Co construction du projet avec les femmes artisanes. El Mourouj, Cité Aicha, 2022, Copyright DAAME. Côté méthodologie, les membres de l’association ont structuré le travail autour de cinq temps forts. Un premier temps où il a été question d’aller à la rencontre des femmes de la cité Aicha et d’identifier 15 boulangères qui travaillent dans la rue sur les deux emprises administratives coté Ben Arous et Mourouj (observation, construction de la relation de confiance, accompagnement dans les temps de production du pain, diagnostic de l’existant, aller à la rencontre de la rue de ces usagers et utilisateurs et comprendre leurs rapports avec l’activité des boulangères etc.). Le second temps est ainsi parallèle au premier et concerne la rencontre de l’équipe projet avec les services municipaux, pour construire une relation de confiance et co-écrit le cadre partenarial ; finalement seule une municipalité s’est engagée dans le projet. Dans un troisième temps il a été question de déployer des échanges et des outils de Co-conception du projet avec les parties prenantes : maquette, tracés au sol, supports graphiques et échanges sur les plans et montages. Le quatrième temps a été consacré au montage d’une équipe chantier avec une volonté d’impliquer des artisans et des ressources locales (le grand Tunis) voir du quartier quand cela est possible. Et enfin un cinquième temps pour le lancement d’un chantier participatif - école avec implication des parties prenantes, y compris les partenaires municipaux et financiers. Chantier participatif. Les habitants du quartier participent activement au chantier. El Mourouj, Cité Aicha, 2022, Copyright Rachid Ben Attallah. Ce sont des moments fédérateurs qui ont révélé des vocations chez les proches des boulangères et autres curieux du quartier qui sont venus prêter main forte ou apprendre à construire avec des techniques innovantes comme la mise en œuvre des bancs en BTC ou en SuperAdobe. Dans la phase 2, le partenariat avec l’École Nationale d’Architecture d’Urbanisme (ENAU) nous a permis d’impliquer les élèves de l’école dans le cadre d’un atelier thématique, directement sur le chantier ; une rencontre qui a marqué les esprits et le projet avec une valeur pédagogique et des liens humains forts dans la mémoire de la rue et de ces usagers. Des impacts et appropriations observées Aujourd’hui, sur le commun urbain de la voix-e des femmes, une transformation physique est notable ; 4 ateliers et 4 espaces publics ont fait l’objet d’aménagements, de mobiliers urbains et d’espaces paysagers. Bien loin de l’objectif de départ, l’association a dû s’adapter et faire avec les différentes contraintes et freins. Un des impacts observés sur le site depuis la réalisation de la première et la deuxième phase du projet est l’augmentation du nombre de femmes artisanes du quartier sur la voix particulièrement coté Ben Arous (l’association estime une augmentation de plus de 50%). Les aménagements ont donc, en partie, participé à la dynamique économique du secteur en créant un engouement et une certaine sécurisation qui a été favorable à la création de nouveaux emplois avec une perspective possible d’une couverture sociale pour les femmes boulangères et leurs familles. Un nouveau lieu de travail. Évolution du module atelier-abris issue de la 2ème phase du projet. El Mourouj, Cité Aicha, 2024, Copyright DAAME. Le revenu des femmes demeure stable avec un pain qui coûte plus cher à la vente en raison de l’inflation (1dinars en 2025 contre 800milimes en 2023-2024), des ventes qui s’alternent entre un minimum de 100 pains par jours jusqu’à 600 pains dans les temps fort du mois de Ramadan. Des conditions de production et de vente que les boulangères définissent comme : « dignes avec un regard agréablement surpris des clients qui peuvent prendre le temps de discuter, de consommer un thé à l’abri de l’atelier…» . Des appropriations remarquables, des structures des ateliers sont observables sur le site mais aussi et surtout une privatisation des espaces paysagers qui les prolongent : « Les femmes boulangères coté Mourouj ne sont pas dans le partage, c’est une limite notable, les espaces publics qui prolongent les ateliers ont été clôturés et aménagés pour des fins privatifs, une action avec un effet domino qui exprime à la fois un besoin et une crainte du voisin, du vandalisme, qui nous questionne…» Jardin potager sur le domaine public. Privatisation des interfaces des ateliers sur le domaine public au profit de jardins potagers pour des usages communautaires. El Mourouj, Cité Aicha, 2025, Copyright Rachid Ben Attallah. Faika Bejaoui de l’association Daame nous partage ces réflexions suite à notre visite commune sur terrain « Maintenant il y a une grande confiance entre nous et les femmes… Elles nous expriment plus leur avis qu’au départ, mais comment les aider à mieux vivre ensemble à travers le projet ? » Faika Bejaoui se pose la question à la vue des jardins potagers clôturés qui fleurissent ici et là sur le bord de la rue entre les ateliers. Des transformations qui s’étalent sur les espaces citoyens intermédiaires avec une municipalité qui ne joue pas son rôle de modérateur et de gardien des communs. « C’est très individualiste coté Mourouj, il n’y a pas de lien fort entre les femmes, si c’était à refaire on commencerait toujours par les ateliers mais il faut en parallèle accompagner une organisation des femmes et par la suite assurer un suivi des ateliers après la livraison du projet, pour ajuster en fonction de l’intelligence collective des usages et écrire une sorte de charte qui conditionne les occupations des ateliers pour éviter les dérives… Formes d’appropriations des nouveaux ateliers. Aménagements et adaptations des nouveaux ateliers par les femmes boulangères. El Mourouj, Cité Aicha, 2025, Copyright DAAME. Faika B. finit par conclure : « qu’il est aussi important d’observer les appropriations et extensions qui se sont opérées autour du projet, loin des fantasmes projetés d’un espace public utile et ouvert à tous, il est clairement question pour les femmes d’avoir une forme d’intimité dans le public, n’en déplaise aux co-concepteurs que nous sommes (rire) » Un espace à elles, dont l’accès est possible sous certaines conditions et dont les limites nécessitent une matérialisation claire. Concernant ces ajustements après mise en œuvre, Salouha femme boulangère nous partage son retour d’expérience « il faut vraiment pouvoir fermer et ouvrir l’atelier, pour que les jeunes du quartiers ne viennent pas boire ici… pour que personne ne casse la Tabouna et le matériel et surtout pour se protéger du vent de la pluie et du soleil qui rend notre travail insupportable l’été » m’expliquent Salouha à l’abri de son atelier, 35 degré à l’ombre, il est 11h du matin à Mourouj au mois de juin, des températures anormales pour la saison et des conditions qui vont empirer dans les prochains mois. Des évolutions nécessaires et des perspectives possibles pour la suite « Cette article tombe bien, car il nous permet de faire le bilan, de prendre de la distance pour mieux faire, dans les éventuelles phases à venir » Affirme Faika.B Les droits sociaux pour les femmes de la cité Aicha représentent un objectif important à réaliser dans la projection à venir des activités de l’association sur le site (certaines femmes ont déjà fait la démarche à ce jour, d’autres pas…). L’association a par ailleurs identifié des perspectives d’appui possible coté ministère de la femme pour poursuivre la marche en avant et accompagner les femmes vers une reconnaissance de leur statut d’artisane et de leurs droits. Sur les 15 femmes identifiées au départ, uniquement 10 femmes ont bénéficié d’un travail d’accompagnement pour repenser leurs espaces de travail. Sur ces 10 femmes, uniquement 4 femmes ont bénéficié de la construction d’un atelier attitré pour chacune, un nombre bien en dessous des projections de l’association mais qui s’explique par un contexte politique complexe (obstacles et difficultés avec les municipalités et les limites de leurs gouvernances). Toutefois, la rue et le quartier ont vu une réelle transformation suite au projet avec des structures remarquables qui accompagnent les usages et usagers existants et qui donnent une place centrale à la rue et à ces dynamiques dans la vie du quartier avec au centre les femmes et leur savoir-faire. Les nombreuses appropriations sont une forme de réussite du projet à intégrer au processus de création des espaces à venir, un suivi de ces transformations aide les accompagnateurs concepteurs à faire évoluer les aménagements et à les améliorer. Selon les membres de l’association, le retour positif du bailleur et l’expression de son souhait pour continuer à soutenir l’association dans le déploiement du projet les encourage dans le développement d’une troisième phase qui intégrera les questionnements autour des actions passés et des appropriations présentes ainsi que les limites structurelles internes ou encore les limites de gouvernance déjà rencontrées. Echanges, suivi et évaluation. Comment préparer l’avenir en partant des retours d’usages des artisanes. El Mourouj, Cité Aicha, 2025, Copyright DAAME. Entre échecs et réussites le projet se veut le porte-voix d’un espace public collaboratif, vivant et inclusif Dans sa phase expérimentale en cours, ce projet permet d’observer comment ce type d’intervention peut jouer un rôle dans la légitimation de la place de la femme dans l’espace public, dans la participation à la reconquête de sa dignité, en rendant visible, et en valorisant sa pratique professionnelle trop longtemps stigmatisée. Cela passe aussi par la reconnaissance de son statut d’artisane, offrant de nouvelles perspectives d’organisation collective et de protection sociale. C’est un objectif qui nécessite une plus grande implication de l’association en partenariat avec l’État. Le projet a été ainsi un formidable laboratoire d’observation des dynamiques du genre, des improvisations et appropriations qui questionnent les parties prenantes sur leurs impacts réels et sur les méthodes d’accompagnement des acteurs de cette économie essentielle et vulnérable à la fois. La capitalisation sur ce type d’intervention est précieuse pour donner de nouvelles définitions des espaces publics inclusifs sur notre continent. Ces derniers se situent ainsi à la croisée d’un processus évolutif où le suivi et l’ajustement des aménagements font partie intégrante de la vie d’un projet urbain à haute valeur humaine. Jardin potager sur le domaine public. Privatisation des interfaces des ateliers sur le domaine public au profit de jardins potagers pour des usages familiales. El Mourouj, Cité Aicha, 2025, Copyright DAAME. La version complète African Cities Magazine 6 Download the full article here manel-ain-magazine-african_cities_magazine_6_francais-20260118 .pdf Download PDF • 6.08MB Previous Next

< Back Education in architecture, planning and design in Africa: Challenges and vision for more sustainable and resilient African cities Architectural education in Africa needs a shift. This involves integrating local social, cultural, and environmental considerations. The current Western-centric curricula are critiqued and a more holistic approach is advocated. Interviews with academics and researchers highlight the gap between traditional grid-pattern city planning and the actual needs of African communities. The importance of community engagement and understanding local contexts is stressed. Students are encouraged to explore African architectural heritage, engage with diverse perspectives, and adopt bottom-up approaches. This will help graduates build sustainable and resilient cities that address the unique challenges and opportunities in African urban environments. MARK OLWENY, Architect, Educator, Senior Lecturer in Architecture, School of Architecture and the Built Environment, University of Lincoln, Research Associate Professor, Faculty of the Built Environment, Uganda Martyrs University. Experienced Senior Architect with a demonstrated history of working in developing countries. Skilled in Environmental Design, Sustainable Architecture, Urban Design and Architectural Education. Strong administrator, Doctorate in Philosophy (PhD) focused in Architecture from Cardiff University / Prifysgol Caerdydd. I believe a new direction for architecture and planning education should begin with a more holistic approach Unfortunately, architectural and planning curricula on the continent are still largely based on the western approach. Thus, much of what is taught and what is considered important in the curricula comes from outside rather than within the continent. Moreover, if you look at some of the old schools that came into being around independence in Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, and more recently in Zimbabwe, etc., their objectives have been to train people to produce buildings that celebrate the aspirations of these independent states. The result is seen in the architecture and layout of our cities where what is perceived to be a ‘good city’ is one that is planned in a grid pattern, with streets primarily for cars, which has absolutely nothing to do with how people actually use space in the African context. Consider the fact that most people don’t drive. For them, to get from A to B the distance should be as short as possible. I don’t need space for four or at times six cars, I need comfortable space for people to walk. So if we start thinking about people first, the way our spaces are designed and laid out will be very different. But a lot of the current approaches to architecture and planning are car oriented despite only 5% of people using cities actually drives. So once we adopt this idea of planning from a physical entity, we automatically exclude people. But when you look at it from a people’s perspective, one of the things you don’t do in planning is produce a map. In South Sudan, there have been a series of proposals for Juba that are in the shape of animals. Although these may seem appropriate on a plan, this ignores the reality that these are not visible or apparent for the users as people experience urban spaces when they are within them, and not from the sky. Some schools, and mainly the newer ones, manage to break away from this paradigm. But most of them still remain in this way of thinking where man is put aside in architectural and urban designs. This is also the case in private schools that do not find it lucrative to detach themselves from the classical teaching methods. Personally, I believe a new direction for architecture and planning education should begin with a more holistic approach, one that compels students to appreciate specific social, cultural and environmental issues. Here education could take a leaf from landscape architecture education. Landscape architecture education and the profession engage with social and cultural issues in ways that architecture and planning do not. Landscape architecture asks questions, like, what is the meaning of a place? Why do people do it this way? How can we make it work? Rather than saying, well, this looks horrible, let’s just tear it down or start from scratch. Juba city Southern Sudan, Photo source: Google earth “We need to adapt the teaching to the local context. It may not produce the high architecture that we see in the world, but it will meet the local needs..” I will focus on the case of Anglophone Africa, on architectural education specifically and address three aspects: how were the schools of architecture created, who teaches in them and what were their objectives? There are parallels with planning, which I will include when I can. As far as their creation is concerned, by far the majority of architecture schools came into existence just after independence (outside South Africa, these are Ahmadu Bello University, University of Nairobi and University of Khartoum). While the initial goal was to provide skilled labour to replace expatriate staff, the desire by the newly independent states to showcase their aspirations, and demonstrate their position internationally, it was not long before educational endeavours were steered toward fulfilling these objectives, geared toward national prestige through iconic - an ideological imperative. Now, for the teachers in these schools. Initially, it was necessary to rely on foreign staff, for a number of reasons, but primarily the schools were following an international curriculum that needed staff that could deliver it satisfactorily. These instructors largely came from Western Europe (generally former colonisers countries), as well as the Soviet Union, the United States and to a lesser extent India). . While this has served to allow the development of divergent currents of thought, there has been little in-depth interrogation of the appropriateness of these curricula and pedagogical approaches. The most obvious example I can cite here are many history and theory courses, which still rely heavily on a chronological approach heavily biased toward European architectural and planning endeavours. You have to ask yourself, is the knowledge content, and approaches to architecture and urbanism we teach fit for-purpose? and in many cases the answer is no. There is a need for us to scrutinise what we teach and how we teach it. What exactly are we doing? What is the purpose of architecture and planning education now? Do we want to produce replicas of cities and buildings in Europe and North America? Or do we want to help improve the conditions of people?The situation on the ground and the needs are completely different. We need to adapt the teaching to the local context. It may not produce the ‘high’ architecture, but it will meet the local needs. Uganda for example is a very hilly country. But many plans (both planning and architectural) ignore this fact. Why does this happen? In some aspects the training is not context specific; it seems to reinforce the notion that the site (and people) should adapt to suit the designs, and not the other way around. So we need to do better than that and think, how do we compel the next generation of urban planners and architects to be cognisant of and respond to the local situation, understanding that and work with it as a basis for developing appropriate spaces that work for people. When you look at, for example, the most common building typology in Uganda today, it is the same as that designed during colonial times for single men. These «boys’ quarters» because at that time in many parts of Africa, there was a need for workers, usually young men who came to town to work, and were granted temporary residency. To prevent them bringing their families, they were provided with minimal accommodation with small rooms that barely accommodated one person, with shared toilet facilities, and no kitchens... Now more than 60 years after independence, we still build the same way. So if after all these years and all the architects and urban planners trained, why is it that there has not been any change? I believe this is because as architects and planners we have failed to impact on the general population, and continue to train subsequent generations to ignore the needs of the majority. Uganda-Development Photo source: Wikimedio commons “Students are unfortunately taught to prepare to make the next tallest building, rather than getting them to understand the sense of the place…” The way architecture and urban planning training is delivered on the continent has indeed an impact on African cities. On the positive side it can create functional spaces where people have decent environments to live, work and recreate. But on the negative side, I think things are often done out of context. Take housing for example, this is often developed and planned in isolation of socio-economic realities, an approach that reduces the question of ‘low-income’ housing to the provision of the proverbial four walls and a roof. Consequently, we often see such housing developed far away from the centre of cities. These are a distance away from economic and employment opportunities - the reason people migrated to the cities’ areas in the first place. Oddly enough, this was a problem that was seen in the US, UK and Australia during the 1960s, so why are we building the same mistakes in 2020? We have to rethink our approach, taking note that some of what is still taught is obsolete, and in many cases was not actually based on the realities experienced within the context within which it is taught. Back to the housing question, the lack of housing and the burgeoning slums, squatter and informal settlements close to the city centres are a result of a larger question. It comes to human dignity and the value of humanity. By paying a salary that is barely enough to live on, workers are compelled to seek the most convenient accommodation as close to their place of work as is practically possible. No one wants to spend all their salary and time commuting. So as we can see, architecture and planning is not just about physical infrastructure, it is much wider. These are the links that are often not presented as part of the educational process, which often exists in silos. Many countries in Africa are characterized by their macrocephaly. In Uganda, for example, as soon as you leave Kampala, there is literally nothing going on in the small towns. Some time ago there was not even a supermarket outside Kampala. Everything happened in the capital. Now, with decentralization, things could be better, but it is important to provide the secondary towns and the countryside with adequate facilities and infrastructure to limit the pressure on the big urban centers and to strengthen the links between the cities and the countryside. Currently, getting a national identity card, or a driving licence requires a trip to the capital Kampala. This is not at all practical, neither is it contributing to the idea of decentralisation. Now, in terms of education, I prefer to use education, rather than training as I believe education is a core element of higher university education. While there are elements of training within architecture and planning education, it is important that students acknowledge that their role goes beyond merely fulfilling narrowly defined objectives of individual projects, to include an appreciation of the consequences of these actions. If you look at Zanzibar, the old city - Stone Town, is among the most visited places in Tanzania. This is not because it has new glass and steel clad buildings or wide multilane roads. It is because it is at a human scale in a number of ways. It is a pedestrian environment with narrow streets, but with spaces where people can sit and talk. The soul of the community keeps it alive. The street itself is a channel of information. And that information can travel long distances because every time you walk down the street, greet people, stop, talk to them they will tell you a story. So it’s strange that we assumed that cities should be so new and glitzy. And that’s what students are unfortunately taught, to prepare to make the next tallest building, rather than getting them to understand that the way people use spaces and how they engage with the environment, is what makes the difference. Photo by Javi Lorbada on Unsplash “Adapted curricula to build more inclusive, resilient and sustainable cities in Africa…” The starting point would be thinking about the people, their climatic, cultural, social context, etc. If you start from the climate for example, the solution in Botswana can certainly not be the same solution that you have in Uganda or, in South Sudan, because these are very different situations and climates. We teach students about what is happening in the rest of the world, but very little about what is happening in the local areas. There is limited literature on the architecture of African context, so we need to write and tell the stories of and from Africa, while criticizing the things that don’t work. We are often reluctant to criticize things, just because somebody put a lot of money into it, whether it works or not. Unless we start having deep, meaningful, frank discussions about our context, we’re going to continually go down a path that doesn’t help us to build sustainably and resiliently. When you look at many urban centers across much of sub-Saharan Africa, we find an informal sector that is actually larger than the formal sector. The people who work in this grey economy are rarely if ever included in design discourse, effectively marginalised from what is perceived to be a desired future. Without an appreciation of their needs, this marginalization is set to continue with these issues brought into the mainstream of teaching and practice. In the university I work with in Uganda, the Uganda Martyrs University, we are taking students out of the classroom, to talk to the communities. For example right now, a student is working to understand how people live and how they engage in their daily activities. This bottom up approach is critical in ensuring any proposals are embedded within the community, and not cosmetic. One of the things I think is also important is to take some of the architecture schools out of the major urban areas, figuratively and practically, to get a feel for the communities and their needs. When you look at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana, the Copperbelt University in Zambia, and the University of Science and Technology in Zimbabwe, these are all located in secondary cities, and where the first architecture schools in these three countries were situated. This deliberate move ensures that the link between education and the lived experiences of a large proportion of the population could be better addressed. This was also the rationale for the location of the architecture school at the Uganda Martyrs University at the university’s main campus at Nkozi.. This certainly has a big impact on the shape of the education and the students that go there. So, it’s about basic things like understanding what our needs are, beyond just shelter from the elements? How do we make our urban centers work better for people? How do we make them work better in the context? Should we continue building wider roads, yet the real need is for more and efficient public transport networks? Uganda Martyrs University “Make friends, talk to people who come from different backgrounds, who have different life experiences, and travel as much as possible…” I think the very first piece of advice I would give is to be open to learning. Be open to new ideas and to constantly question preconceived ideas you may have. Beyond that, you have to understand that whatever education you get, whether it’s architecture, landscape architecture, or urban planning, it’s only education to help you start your career, it’s not the end of your education, which should continue throughout your life. This is what differentiates training from education. I also believe that students should try as much as possible to draw on their own experiences, and understand that their experience is just an individual experience, in the midst of millions of other people’s experiences. To be able to design for other people, it is important to understand and appreciate why we do things a particular way, and that this is not how millions of other people do it (for a host of different reasons). Often, I think we approach things from the perspective that our experience is the only valid one, and presume other people’s experiences and views are equal to ours. This is a consequence of the socialization process of education. For many students their experiences are narrowly defined, limiting their exposure to the diversity of experiences of others. A poingient expression of this can be found in Musa Okwonga’s memoir, ‘One of Them’. The outcomes of educational systems that derive students from a narrow group of students cannot truly address the issues of broader society. Indeed even today, some schools of architecture have intakes comprising students from a handful of secondary schools, it would be impossible for this group of students to appreciate the value of different opinions as they have never really been exposed to difference. And so my advice in this context is to make friends outside of that very narrow circle. Talk to people who come from different backgrounds, who have different life experiences, if possible, travel as much as possible whether it’s inside or outside your region or country. Many students and even professionals do not know the richness of their own country in terms of architectural and urban heritage. Knowing one’s history, heritage and environment can contribute to a better understanding of place, and space. We had great cities in Africa 300 or 400 years ago. You have Benin City in Nigeria, you have Congo City in what is now the Democratic Republic of Congo. We have Great Zimbabwe, and Bigo in Uganda ... so there are great cities that exist that we don’t hear about. Taking an interest in and learning about these early endeavours would greatly contribute to design explorations, not only in terms of form and materials, but also in terms of our ideation. Those are the key lessons I would like some people to understand. A drawing by a British officer representing the city of Benin before its destruction by the British army in 1897, wikimedia PHILIPPA NYAKATO TUMUBWEINEE, Architects; Senior lecturer and Head of School at Architecture Planning and Geomatics, University of Cape Town. She was awarded her PhD at the School of Higher Education Studies, University of the Free State. Tumubweinee’s commitment to architectural education has developed through her involvement as an external examiner for MProf and BHons students in Architecture at the University of Pretoria and Namibia University of Science and Technology “School of Architecture, Planning and Geomatics” The current School of Architecture, Planning and Geomatics (APG) at University of Cape Town (UCT) is the result of two mergers. The first merger took place in 1985 between the then School of Architecture and the Department of City and Regional Planning, and the second merger took place in 2002 between the School of Architecture and Planning and the Department of Geomatics. The School’s primary purpose is to produce professionals who can deal competently and creatively with the development and conservation of the built and natural environment by imagining alternative, more just and inclusive urban futures. The School of Architecture, Planning and Geomatics (APG) has a current enrolment of 667 students, 227 are registered for postgraduate degrees; of these 22 students are registered for PhDs. APG offers programmes which lead to the following qualifications: Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS); Bachelor of Science in Geomatics; Bachelor of Architectural Studies (Honours); Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Geographical Information Systems; Bachelor of City Planning (Honours); Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (Honours); Master of Architecture (Professional); Master of City and Regional Planning; Master of Landscape Architecture; Master of Urban Design; Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Conservation of the Built Environment; Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Southern Urbanism; and Opportunities to study for research-based MPhils and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. APG is located within the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (EBE). Professor Alison Lewis (from the Department of Chemical Engineering) was elected as the Dean of the Faculty in 2015, and she remains in the position. All Departments and Schools within EBE offer degrees accredited by professional councils/ institutes. Processes of accreditation are recognised and supported in the Faculty and the University. EBE comprises five Departments (Construction Economics and Management; Civil Engineering; Chemical Engineering; Mechanical Engineering; and Electrical Engineering) and one School (the School of Architecture, Planning and Geomatics). In accordance with 2021 data, EBE has an enrolment of 4,452 students, of whom 1,116 are registered for postgraduate qualifications and 262 are PhD students. EBE comprises 429 academic staff and 173 professional, administrative and support staff. The Faculty has 20 active research groups, 7 SARChI chairs, 58 NRF rated staff and R220 million in research income. The undergraduate Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) Programme within the School of Architecture, Planning and Geomatics (APG) provides a foundational design-oriented education from which streaming can occur into a range of postgraduate degree programmes, including the Bachelor of Architectural Studies (Honours), the Bachelor of City Planning (Honours) (linked to the Masters of City and Regional Planning) and the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (Honours) (linked to the Masters of Landscape Architecture). These Honours level qualifications allow students to apply for the one-year Master of Urban Design (MUD) degree, a one-year MPhil specialising in the Conservation of the Built Environment and a research-based MPhil. APG also offers opportunities to register for a PhD. Furthermore, the African Centre for Cities (ACC) facilitates a coursework and dissertation MPhil on Southern Urbanism and some of these students take electives in the Planning Honours Programme. A planning stream was introduced into the undergraduate Geomatics Programme cluster in 2004. Several degree programmes in the School are recognised by professional Councils. The Masters of Architecture (Prof) degree is recognised by the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP). In addition to SACPLAN accreditation, the Planning Programme is accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) ( http://www.rtpi.org.uk/ ). The combined Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (Honours) and Masters of Landscape Architecture Programme is accredited by the South African Council for the Landscape Architectural Profession (SACLAP). The MPhils are non-professional and non-accredited research degrees. “The way we educate our urban professionals on the wider continent and in South Africa is being challenged” This is not because what we teach is not good, it is because it has become increasingly difficult, within a set and structured curriculum, to address the constantly shifting dynamic nature of the urban environments we live in. Within this changing context we, as urban professionals, find ourselves confronted with how to advance appropriate theories and practices to develop a holistic understanding of the urban environment across multiple and growing disciplines and interests. This difficulty is evident in the schism between what is needed and what is done. It translates as a break between how we as academic institutions develop and train the next generation of urban professionals and the realities of the multiplicity of fundamental tools and tactics that are required to develop and implement policies and governance systems that effectively deliver for people. In part the schism stems from theories and practices that are borrowed from other times, other places and other cultures. As institutions we repackage and retrofit these theories and practices without always addressing the underlying complexities of our urban complexities and place-based realties. This calls for a “rogue” approach in the way that we train urban professionals who can contribute meaningfully in African urban environments and respond to, address and embrace a continually shifting context. This approach to training urban professionals could develop a form of urbanism that consolidates political, social, cultural and economic capital with the natural & built environment in order to bring together a conceptualisation of place and people as part of a complex world. “Rather than provide a clear ‘vision of African cities of tomorrow’, it is vital that academic institutions together with other urban professionals and civil society collectively experiment and speculate as to what an African city should look like…” The African urban terrain is complex, and because it is complex questions of sustainability, resilience, and technological development in any African city can only be speculative. This provides fertile ground from which urban professionals, and the institutions in which they are trained, can explore and experiment with alternate realities and solutions to address a variety of underlying concerns. These include climate change and resilience, significant socio-spatial inequality and poverty (tied often to colonial spatial planning), and a significant demographic youth bulge in African cities. Rather than provide a clear ‘vision’, it is vital that academic institutions together with other urban professionals and civil society collectively experiment and speculate as to what an African city should look like. For if we cannot creatively conceive of it within the specificities and peculiarities of our context, we cannot build it. In APG we aim to develop urban professionals across all programmes who can radically reshape the urban environment at all levels. This extends to, but is not limited to: 1) how we can creatively plan, design and develop our cities, towns and their neighbourhoods; 2) how we can creatively integrate combined thinking across the broadest range of disciplines involved in the urban environment – physical, socio-cultural, economic, public health, food, governance etc; 3) how can we creatively lead and manage policies and planning in the system at all levels of civil society and government. MANLIO MICHIELETTO, Dean of the School of Architecture and Built Environment (SABE) at the College of Science and Technology (CST) University of Rwanda (UR ). Manlio Michieletto is an Italian Architect graduated in 2007 from the IUAV University of Venice,and earned a PhD in Architectural Composition in 2010 from the IUAV School of Doctorate. After different academic and professional experiences in Europe (Italy and Germany) and Africa (Burkina Faso andD. R. Congo), he has since 2016 became the dean of SABE. “School of Architecture and Built Environment (SABE)..” The School of Architecture and Built Environment (SABE) started in 2009 as a faculty of architecture in the former Kigali Institute of Technology. In 2014, the government decided to unify all scattered institutes in one unique public university that is called University of Rwanda, and the Faculty of architecture became the School of Architecture and Built Environment. SABE is one of the five schools comprising the College of Science and Technology that is one of the nine colleges of the University of Rwanda. SABE is in a very inspiring compound designed by the French architect Patrick Schweitzer and our students have the opportunity to be trained in this amazing architectural artifact. The building’s aim is to be intended as an open book for students through the utilisation of different materials, construction techniques, details etc. Furthermore, it’s a passive building with no use of mechanical installation. SABE has around 1000 students and four departments (Department of Architecture, Department of construction management, Department of estate management and valuation, and the Department of geography and urban planning). These are for undergraduate programs, but we also have a post graduate program in MSc IN GEO-INFORMATION SCIENCE FOR ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT and we are working with partners from Europe to set up a master in architecture that will start in 2023. These programs are supervised by around 40 staff members, including junior staff, senior staff, Professor, associate professor, senior lecturer, lecturer, assistant lecturer and tutorial assistant. School of Architecture and Built Environment, Photo source SABE “We have to significantly improve the offer in terms of education to give to young people the chance to study and be actors of changes in their communities and countries…” I do think the way education in architecture and planning is made have an impact on african cities now and in the future. However, to have a positive impact, it is fundamental to establish more schools or faculties of architecture and urban studies in Africa. We can not have or continue to have countries with just one Institute or School of Architecture, urban planning, etc. To meet African cities’ challenges and turn them into opportunities, we must increase the education offered in Architecture, urban planning, and other urban studies not just in quantity, but also in quality. So, when we talk about the impact, we have first to significantly improve the offer in terms of education to give to young people the chance to study and be actors of changes in their communities and countries. African cities are a bit wider as a concept, so we cannot compare Ouagadougou with Lagos or Lome with Kinshasa, etc. I think for training in architecture in Africa, the undergraduate students have to be trained as any other students over the world, then, specialize themself through for example, postgraduate programs on the local context. At SABE, we try to introduce in the existing curricula the analysis and the study of the local context, to train students able -after an undergraduate degree, to appropriately manage a project in the local context. African cities are very different in shape, in size, etc. So, African students have to learn critical methods that enable them to have a holistic overview of the context. They have to be able to build a critical point of view, train their eyes to understand the context, identify problems and find the appropriate solutions. “At SABE there is a constant relationship between teaching activities and local context…” Lectures are normally based on tropical architecture and urban design, that means the architecture adapted to the local environment and context. We also teach students history of architecture and theory of architecture including the relationship between the city, and the built environment. So students move from universal theories of architecture and urban planning to theories of African cities, from tropical villages to African architecture. We also use resources to equip our students with theoretical and practical knowledge like books on African cities, UN-Habitat rules and principles, and the Green Council buildings rules that the Rwandan government established for the construction of green buildings in Rwanda. So, for us at SABE there is a constant relationship between teaching activities and local context. For example, in the Department of Geography, urban planning, students always have practical workshops on the local context, with the local community involved, population, local stakeholders etc. We also have summer workshops that are targeting real issues or challenges in kigali to not only have students adapted to the local context, but also to the local market. Furthermore, during their training, our students have to do professional internships for the fourth and fifth year. All these help them to be adapted to market needs. We have been asked by our university to move to a problem based learning teaching system, which means that all our modules, especially for assessment and final examination, have to be based on problem based learning or a challenge driven education. So we have the theoretical part of the module, and then a practical one based on a real problem that students may identify in their context. The students work in groups to propose a solution to a real problem, starting from problem identification to an adapted solution. “I see the future of African cities in the past…” First of all, we have to be conscious of our past. The African city is rich in history and heritage that have shaped its evolution over time. This ancestral African city has always been smart and sustainable. It is therefore important to go back to this history and heritage to build the African city and not to import models from elsewhere. The second important thing in this context of rapid growth and urbanization is to train local actors who understand the context. It is a question of training city actors (architects, urban planners, designers, etc.) at the local level with local knowledge and know-how because they know their history, they have grown up in these cities and are the best able to understand the problems and to provide solutions. Another fundamental aspect to take into account for the African sustainable city is the political will. We can see that the great cities throughout the world were mostly built by political vision. Therefore, in Africa, it is important that the leaders draw a shared vision of the sustainable city and take the necessary means to achieve the objectives of the sustainable city. “Be committed and passionate about what they are doing…” My advice for young students is to really be committed and passionate about what they are doing, because it is the only way to achieve good results, in all aspects of their life. MOUSSA DEMBELE, Malian Architect graduated in architecture from Xinghua University in China. He worked as an architect for 4 years in Singapore, then obtained his doctorate from the Kyoto Institute of Technology in Japan. After teaching for several years in Japan and China, he opened an architectural office in Mali before being appointed in 2015 as the General Manager of EAMAU. “Tell us about the African School of Architecture and Urbanism…” The African School of Architecture and Urban Planning (EAMAU) is an inter-state institution that brings together 8 countries of the UEMOA (Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Togo) and the 6 countries of the CEMAC (Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Chad). It was created under the will of the heads of state in order to train young people to face the urbanization of African cities in 1975. In view of the challenges facing African cities in terms of urbanization, it can be said that this vision of member states through EAMAU is more than salutary in order to meet the challenges posed by the rapid urban growth of the continent by training local actors on urban issues. To this end, EAMAU trains architects, urban planners, and urban managers through Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral training cycles. The training courses are both theoretical and practical and lead the learners to the professional-grade after 5 years of study. The training method equips them with tools that enable them to practice the profession in an operational manner in different African countries, particularly with field training courses throughout the training program. African School of Architecture and Urbanism, Photo by G2L-PHOTOGRAPHY “It is crucial to train professionals capable of facing the challenges of the continent in terms of urban development…” With more than 1400 high-level graduates, who continue to shape the political, economic, and cultural landscape in African countries, EAMAU is an institution that is constantly adapting to best meet the challenges of the continent. Indeed, we have moved from the great canons of education in architecture and urban planning to the Bachelor’s Degree Master’s Doctorate (LMD) system in 2010. In addition, the diplomas of EAMAU have been accredited by the African and Malagasy Council for Education (CAMES), and our institution has been for the occasion retained as a reference school for the training of architects and urbanists. It is, therefore, necessary to adapt constantly to produce professionals capable of facing the challenges of the continent in terms of urban development. As we can see, the continent is experiencing rapid urban growth, and many factors are influencing this growth, so it must be directed and controlled so that cities are spaces of well-being, inclusion, social peace, economic prosperity, and offer a healthy and preserved living environment. This is why we put a particular emphasis on providing our learners with key and contextual tools through our training to achieve these objectives. “Train professionals able to respond to global issues…” EAMAU today has a scope that extends beyond the member countries by training actors from the whole continent and the rest of the world. This is how we keep an open mind on the world, by adapting and innovating, to train professionals able to respond to global issues related to digital development, climate issues, environmental protection, etc. However, we make it a point to ensure that our students have this understanding, the very expression and specificity of Africa in the training. It is in this context that our students do fieldwork each year to diagnose problems in African cities, and these problems are transcribed into concrete and local solutions through projects. Thus, the projects proposed by the students are the result of a concrete and pragmatic approach to research in order to respond specifically to the challenges of African cities. The teaching methods within our institution converge towards excellence through the international character of the students, the transversality of the teachings, and the projects that are developed by the learners. This is so that the school is at the service of the States for the development of our countries. It is in this context that we develop training that can lead to projects that will allow States to modernize their development and economic take-off. We have introduced in this context a very important phase which is research. Today no institution, no field can develop without research and in our context this research component allows us to address in-depth the issue of African architectural and urban heritage. Africa is endowed with an immense heritage that can be considered open-air museums. The question is what can we draw from this heritage to build more sustainable and resilient cities? It is with a view to answering these questions that we are developing the research aspect in order to effectively produce reflections that contribute to setting up human settlements adapted to the African context. For the history of cities and civilizations millennia African abounds in examples in terms of sustainability, and resilience through the use of local materials, functional organization of spaces, waste management, environmental preservation, etc. The approach here is through research to draw from this rich heritage to develop modern solutions adapted to the social, cultural, economic, and geographical context of our cities. “Students and young professionals across the continent have the mission of build more sustainable and resilient cities in Africa…” We think that the objective for graduates should not only be to work in architecture or urban planning agencies, but to get involved in the high levels of administration, banking institutions, international organizations because they have the resources to do so. It is for them to be a force of proposal, not to evolve in a vacuum, to inform themselves, to travel to build more sustainable and resilient cities in Africa. Previous Next

< Back Start Somewhere: Urban Upgrading Through Innovative Architecture And Community Empowerment Kairu Karega, Leandry JIEUTSA, Samson Ontweka Start Somewhere, a social enterprise, has developed the TwistBlocks® system, a LEGO-like, hollow concrete block designed for affordability and simplicity in vulnerable communities. The system, which was developed by architect Oliver von Malm, has been used in Kenya to build schools and community projects. The TwistBlocks® are locally produced, cost-effective, and fire-resistant, reducing construction time and material costs. The project has expanded to include 5 schools in Nairobi’s impoverished regions and several community projects. The primary goal is to establish Start Somewhere Kenya as a leading provider of sustainable construction using TwistBlocks® and develop a scalable and sustainable business model. Start Somewhere has made significant progress in enhancing housing and education in underserved communities since 2020. Key developments include 2 workshops in Kibera, an ultra-affordable prototype for 4-6 bedsitter housing units, 5 additional schools, a school library, and 11 housing units for families displaced by a fire. Around 30 individuals in Kenya and South Africa have secured permanent employment through Start Somewhere’s initiatives. The ongoing use of TwistBlocks® technology contributes to improved living conditions and greater community resilience. Transforming Kibera: Start Somewhere’s TwistBlock Innovation Brings Sustainable Housing and Education Solutions to Africa’s Largest Slum Global One Primary School in Kibera, Nairobi, Source: Start Somewhere, Copyright information: Start Somewhere Kibera, one of Africa’s largest slums, has long embodied the challenges of urban poverty. Inadequate housing, lack of infrastructure, and limited access to essential services have trapped countless residents in a cycle of marginalization. Start Somewhere, a social business, has emerged as a beacon of hope, offering innovative solutions to these pressing issues. Start Somewhere’s journey began in 2011 with the support of two schools, initiated by Oliver von Malm, a German architect passionate about tackling affordable housing challenges in slums. In 2016, Oliver’s master’s thesis led to the development of the groundbreaking TwistBlocks® system – LEGO-like, hollow concrete blocks designed for affordability, simplicity, and ease of use in informal settlements. Oliver´s master thesis caught the attention of PERI, a leading formwork and scaffolding company. Recognizing the potential, PERI collaborated with the newly founded Start Somewhere German social business to further develop the system. The initial focus involved refining the TwistBlocks® system, culminating in the construction of a prototype workshop and a school in Kibera in 2019. Funded by a German government program, this project demonstrated the practicality and impact of the TwistBlocks®, paving the way for establishing Start Somewhere Kenya. Today, Start Somewhere Kenya employs 15 people, primarily production workers from Kibera, working in two factories within the settlement. The project has expanded significantly, resulting in the construction of five schools in Nairobi’s impoverished regions and several community projects utilizing TwistBlocks®. The primary goal now is to establish Start Somewhere Kenya as a leading provider of sustainable construction using TwistBlocks® and develop a scalable business model replicable across Kenya and potentially in other regions facing similar challenges. This evolution reflects Start Somewhere’s unwavering commitment to addressing the housing crisis in slums through innovative and sustainable solutions. The TwistBlocks® are locally produced in small workshops within the community, reducing transportation costs but also generating employment opportunities “TheTwistBlocks® itself is an architectural innovation that allows clients to save on material and time compared to conventional building methods” , Samson Ontweka the technical coordinator at Start Somewhere Kenya explains. These material saving hollow concrete blocks are designed for simplicity and ease of use, allowing for construction without the need for mortar. This method significantly reduces both construction time and material costs, enabling even unskilled community members to participate in building projects. A standout feature of the TwistBlocks® is that they are free in the ground floor plan. This flexibility allows for the maximum utilization of small plots in informal settlements, where space is often extremely limited. This adaptable design enables better customization of living spaces like creating curved walls and making the most out of the available land. The TwistBlocks® are locally produced in small workshops within the community, rather than in large factories. This generates employment opportunities, fostering economic empowerment among local residents. By involving the community in the production process, a sense of ownership and pride is built, further strengthening the community’s involvement in its development. From a cost-saving perspective, the blocks are made from a specialized concrete mix with a low cement content, making them both affordable and environmentally friendly. Their modular design allows for easy assembly and disassembly, which is particularly beneficial in informal settlements where homes may need to be relocated or reconstructed. This feature helps to lower long-term costs and increases housing flexibility and ownership. “Additionally, the TwistBlocks® are fire-resistant, addressing a critical safety concern in densely populated areas like Kibera, where fires are common and can quickly devastate entire neighborhoods. Traditional structures in these areas are often made of flammable materials, so the fire-resistant properties of TwistBlocks® offer a safer alternative, reducing the risk of widespread fire damage and the associated costs of rebuilding.” Samson adds. The TwistBlocks® system not only saves time and money through its straightforward, mortar-free assembly, local production, and cost-effective materials, but also directly addresses the unique challenges of impoverished communities. The flexibility in ground floor planning and fire-resistant properties make it an ideal solution for upgrading informal settlements like Kibera. In Kibera, Start Somewhere constructed 11 housing units for families displaced by a fire, providing them with safe and secure homes Since 2020, Start Somewhere has made significant progress in enhancing housing and education in underserved communities. Key developments include the opening of a new workshop in Kibera and the creation of an ultra-affordable prototype for 4-6 bedsitter housing units. 4-bedsitter prototype development, constructed by Start Somewhere and Global Property Advice for Livelihood Impact Fund, Image: Start Somewhere, Copyright: Start Somewhere Five additional schools and a school library were constructed using TwistBlocks®. Some were built independently by local partners with Start Somewhere’s guidance and technology. Numerous temporary jobs on construction sites were created. Additionally, Start Somewhere provided training and planning for workshops in Ahero (Kisumu) and Cape Town (South Africa). Overall, around 30 individuals in Kenya and South Africa have secured permanent employment through Start Somewhere’s initiatives. The ongoing use of TwistBlocks® technology in various community projects underscores its effectiveness and acceptance, contributing to improved living conditions and greater community resilience. Bethany Joy School in Kawangware, Image: Start Somewhere, Copyright: Start Somewhere Bethel Kibera School, Image: Start Somewhere, Copyright: Start Somewhere Start Somewhere emphasizes community empowerment through a structured Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) process, which ensures active participation from all stakeholders Team Start Somewhere Kenya, Image: Start Somewhere, Copyright: Start Somewhere Samson Ontweka on community involvement explains, “Community involvement is a crucial aspect of our projects. We engage with local stakeholders, including community leaders and unemployed youth, to ensure their active participation and meet their expectations.” He continues to state, “We prioritize accessibility and inclusivity in our projects, including provisions for persons with disabilities. We incorporate features like ramps and accessible washrooms to ensure everyone can benefit from the facilities we build.” Start Somewhere emphasizes community empowerment through a structured Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) process, which ensures active participation from all stakeholders. It begins by identifying and aligning key stakeholders to ensure that everyone shares common goals and responsibilities. Next, they define how stakeholders will collaborate, establishing clear roles and expectations for each party involved. The MOU then details the project’s scope, timeline, and terms, providing a clear framework for collaboration. Additionally, they incorporate flexibility by allowing for amendments and clearly defining project boundaries to adapt as needed. TwistBlock factory in Kibera, Image: Start Somewhere, Copyright: Start Somewhere In addition to involving community leaders, Start Somewhere engages non-skilled workers in the construction process, such as assembling walls, which helps to build local skills and provides employment. Workshops, public meetings, and collaborative sessions enable residents to actively participate in project design and implementation, ensuring the solutions are well-suited to their needs. By integrating community input and providing hands-on roles, Start Somewhere ensures that their projects are not only effective but also deeply connected to the community’s needs and capabilities. Start Somewhere Team, Image: Start Somewhere, Copyright: Start Somewhere Implementing the Start Somewhere project has presented several significant challenges, each addressed through strategic approaches “One of the primary challenges is community involvement. Engaging local residents from the outset is essential but can be difficult. Start Somewhere overcomes this by ensuring active community participation through ongoing dialogue, participatory design processes, and incorporating feedback into every phase of the project. This approach helps align the project with the community’s needs and fosters trust.” explains Samson. Building in informal settlements adds another layer of complexity. Issues such as limited infrastructure, irregular land tenure, and densely packed living spaces require innovative solutions. Start Somewhere addresses these challenges with a highly experienced team skilled in adapting construction techniques to the specific conditions of informal settlements. This expertise ensures that projects are practical, sustainable, and tailored to the unique needs of these environments. Creating a robust ecosystem is essential for success. Developing strong connections with local stakeholders, funding partners, and advocates can be demanding. Start Somewhere emphasizes strategic networking, cultivating relationships, and showcasing the project’s value to potential collaborators to navigate this challenge. Overall, Start Somewhere addresses these challenges through robust community engagement, expert management of informal settlement construction, and building a supportive network. These strategies help ensure the successful implementation and sustainability of their projects. The focus is on developing a sustainable business model for Start Somewhere Kenya, which will serve as a blueprint for scaling the concept rather than expanding the company itself. This model will be integrated within a broader ecosystem of established partners and will include global consultancy, planning services, and lighthouse construction projects with TwistBlocks®. Currently, a factory project is underway in Uganda, and additional opportunities are being explored in other countries. Samson emphasizes, “Our long-term vision is to transform informal settlements into models of sustainable urban development. We aim to provide proper housing conditions, improve educational facilities, and create economic opportunities for the residents. We are actively exploring partnerships and collaborations to expand our model to other slums and regions. Our goal is to offer affordable housing solutions and support sustainable development in low-income areas.” “We are also conducting ongoing research to develop TwistBlocks® using alternative materials like clay and hempcrete, with the aim of further reducing environmental impact and expanding our range of construction options,” he adds. Previous Next

< Back Des projets d’espaces publics à l’écoute de leurs usagers: retours d’expériences des Pépinières urbaines en Afrique Fatou-Maty DIOUF; Virginie RACHMUHL Sur le continent africain, l’urbanisation dépasse souvent la planification, portée par des dynamiques locales que les approches institutionnelles peinent à intégrer. C’est dans ce contexte que l’Agence Française de Développement a lancé en 2018 les Pépinières urbaines (PU), inspirées de l’urbanisme tactique et transitoire. Adossées à de grands projets urbains, elles visent à concilier rapidité et participation, en réalisant des aménagements visibles à l’échelle des quartiers (placettes, aires de jeux, allées, équipements sociaux et sportifs) et en testant de nouvelles formes de gouvernance urbaine. Accompagnées par le Programme d’animation des pépinières urbaines (PAPU) géré par Gret, UrbaMonde et Cabanon Vertical, trois générations de PU se sont succédé. La première, menée en Tunisie, à Ouagadougou, Abidjan et Dakar, est aujourd’hui achevée. La deuxième se déploie actuellement à Nairobi, Antananarivo, Kigali et Monrovia tandis que la troisième est en préparation. Chaque aménagement et espace public conçu dans le cadre des PU suit une méthode commune: diagnostic, co-conception, production participative, animation et gestion. Alliant ambition pragmatique et dimension politique, elles se heurtent toutefois aux rigidités des grands projets et aux ambiguïtés de leur propre mise en œuvre. La capitalisation du programme , synthétisée dans cet article, met en lumière les acquis, tensions et contradictions. Revaloriser l’espace public Inauguration festive des sites aménagés à Béja, PU Tunisie © Humanités et Inclusion Partout où elles ont été mises en œuvre, les Pépinières urbaines ont contribué à transformer des terrains disponibles, délaissés ou sous-utilisés en espaces publics fréquentés. Les usages diversifiés — sportifs, récréatifs, culturels, économiques — ont non seulement amélioré le quotidien des habitant·es mais aussi renforcé la cohésion sociale et créé des opportunités économiques locales. En Tunisie ou à Côte d’Ivoire, elles ont modifié le regard des maîtres d’ouvrage sur le foncier vacant: d’espace réservé à des projets immobiliers, il est devenu un bien collectif au service de l’intérêt général. Cette revalorisation de l’espace public constitue l’un des apports majeurs du dispositif, en sensibilisant les institutions à sa fonction sociale et politique. « Grâce à la pépinière, un certain nombre d’acteur·rices ne considèrent plus ces espaces comme des espaces à construire, au service d’intérêts privés. Ils les voient aussi comme des espaces publics potentiels, des espaces communs déployés au service de l’intérêt général. La pépinière nous permet ici de renouer avec notre histoire et notre culture des espaces publics » Membre de la Maitrise d’Ouvrage de la pépinière de Tunisie. Terrain multisports extérieur à Béja, PU Tunisie © Humanités et Inclusion Des espaces de dialogue féconds mais fragiles En réunissant autorités publiques, citoyen·nes, professionnel·les de l’urbanisme, associations et organisations communautaires, les PU ont permis de créer des arènes de concertation inédites. Leur dimension pédagogique, autour de la co-construction et du « faire les villes ensemble », la diffusion d’outils et de méthodes ont contribué à renforcer le dialogue entre pouvoirs publics et société civile. Elles ont aussi essaimé : recours au vote citoyen à Métouia (Tunisie), adoption d’une méthodologie participative par la commune d’Abobo (Côte d’Ivoire), organisation de consultations par la mairie de Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso). A Madagascar, l’intérêt suscité a même conduit au lancement de Pépinières dans de nouvelles villes. Ces dynamiques, bien que prometteuses, restent fragiles. Que restera-t-il des démarches participatives après le passage des Pépinières ? Leur pérennité dépend de leur ancrage institutionnel et de l’appropriation active par les acteur·rices techniques, encore peu habitué·es aux pratiques de co-construction. Participation communautaire autour des projets prévus dans le quartier d’Andraisoro, PU Antananarivo © Cabanon Vertical Atelier de co-conception communautaire à City Carton, PU Nairobi © Bantu Studio. Souples, adaptables, protéiformes : des dispositifs agiles face à la rigidité des grands projets Chaque pépinière s’est construite en ajustant ses objectifs et ses modes opératoires à son contexte, notamment au grand projet auquel elle est attachée. À Ouagadougou, elles ont servi d’outil de préfiguration d’aménagements futurs. En Tunisie, à Dakar ou Abidjan, elles ont fonctionné comme des projets complémentaires aux opérations principales. À Nairobi, elles ont soutenu des initiatives locales via des appels à projets. Contrairement aux grands projets urbains, aux cadres normatifs et figés, les PU se caractérisent par leur plasticité opérationnelle, leur capacité à contourner les contraintes foncières ou administratives et à ouvrir des marges de manœuvre. Cette souplesse, loin de fragiliser le dispositif, en constitue la force. Tribunes pour les rassemblements communautaires lors des matchs de quartier, PU Abidjan © Cabanon Vertical Co-concevoir les équipements avec les usager·ères : promesses et limites de la participation citoyenne Les équipes des Pépinières ont déployé un large éventail de méthodes participatives — diagnostics communautaires, marches exploratoires, ateliers collaboratifs — pour associer directement les usager·ères à la définition des aménagements. À Ouagadougou, des observations menées sur les sites sportifs et culturels ont permis d’identifier des usages très divers et les barrières d’accès aux sites pour les personnes à mobilité réduite. À Dakar, un «observatoire de rue itinérant» a invité les passants à porter un regard nouveau sur leur quartier, tandis que le jeu vidéo Minecraft a été utilisé par des jeunes pour concevoir des espaces publics liés au Bus Rapid Transit. Ces démarches de co-conception ont mis en évidence des besoins souvent ignorés dans les études classiques et renforcé l’appropriation des projets par les habitant·es. Néanmoins elles nécessitent un accompagnement soutenu. Par ailleurs, les propositions citoyennes n’ont pas toujours été intégrées dans les arbitrages finaux pour des raisons budgétaires, techniques ou politiques, transformant parfois la co-conception en simple consultation et générant des déceptions. Atelier de co-conception avec les habitants de Pikine, réalisé avec le Penc, un outil mobile conçu pour faciliter le dialogue et la conception participative avec les habitants et les usagers locaux, PU Dakar © Studio Baïnem Construire ensemble : des chantiers comme lieux d’apprentissage et d’inclusion économique Certaines PU ont misé sur des formes d’apprentissages collectifs et innové sur le plan socio-économique. À Ouagadougou, des chantiers participatifs ont mobilisé les habitant·es sur la base du bénévolat pour du nettoyage, l’installation de clôtures en pneu, des panneaux et des bancs, renforçant l’appropriation du site par les usagers. À Dakar, certains lots de travaux se sont transformés en chantiers-écoles pour les artisans locaux et la conception a été adaptée aux outils et moyens disponibles. À Nairobi et Antananarivo, des clauses sociales ont favorisé l’emploi local et la parité. Cependant, les procédures de passation de marchés et les normes administratives imposées par les maitrises d’ouvrages et les bailleurs, restent souvent inadaptées pour les entrepreneurs locaux 5 . Chantier de la PU Dakar © Studio Baïnem Des aménagements entre transitoire et durable La demande de rapidité, frugalité et pérennité reste ainsi l’une des contradictions centrales du dispositif. Dans les projets de première génération, les structures légères et démontables, inspirées de l’urbanisme transitoire, ont permis de livrer rapidement des espaces et de tester des usages, répondant à des impératifs de frugalité, de couverture géographique et de réversibilité. Les équipements ont parfois été perçus comme « jetables » voire du gaspillage, surtout dans des contextes de sous-équipement chronique. En pratique, de nombreux aménagements sont restés du fait de leur succès et de l’absence d’offre alternative et ils se sont dégradés rapidement. Les PU de deuxième et troisième génération privilégient désormais des réalisations plus durables, mises en œuvre soit en complément des grands projets (Kigali, Nairobi, Antananarivo), soit comme première étape d’un processus incrémental de consolidation (Monrovia), avec une meilleure coordination avec les collectivités pour assurer la gestion et l’entretien. Cette orientation vers la durabilité allonge cependant les délais de mises en œuvre : les projets des PU restent plus rapides à livrer que les grands programmes, mais nécessitent souvent plus d’un an pour se concrétiser. Gare routière interurbaine PNR de Rufisque : construction d’un hall avec sièges pour l’attente et le repos, stands de restauration pour les vendeuses, et une atmosphère agréable grâce à la végétation et à la toiture en typha. PU Dakar © Studio Baïnem Les défis de la gestion des sites : inventer des modèles partagés et durables Au fil des générations de PU, la gestion des espaces s’est imposée comme un défi central. La mise en place de comités de gestion (CoGes) a permis de tester des modèles associant habitant·es, associations locales et institutions publiques. Les comités ont joué un rôle dans l’entretien, l’organisation d’activités et l’ancrage des projets dans la vie quotidienne des quartiers. Il n’existe pas de modèle unique de gestion et chaque contexte appelle une solution spécifique, qu’il s’agisse d’autogestion communautaire, de délégation à des organisations communautaires ou à des opérateurs privés, ou de cogestion institutionnalisée. À Ouagadougou, l’implication de la Mairie dans le CoGes s’est traduite par la création de statuts municipaux et d’un fonds dédié à l’entretien, consolidant la pérennité du dispositif. À Abidjan, quatre comités sur cinq fonctionnaient encore deux ans après la fin du projet sans soutien public, illustrant la robustesse de certains modèles communautaires. À Dakar, en revanche, le retrait municipal a fragilisé les CoGes, montrant la dépendance au cadre institutionnel. Certaines Pépinières testent des modèles de gestion hybrides. À Nairobi, l’intégration d’activités économiques (kiosques, laveries, cafés internet) contribue au financement partiel des frais de gestion. Ces approches soulignent l’importance de modèles économiques viables. L’expérience a toutefois montré que l’implication des autorités locales reste essentielle pour les réparations majeures et la préservation du caractère public des équipements. Des tensions structurelles persistantes Les collectivités locales jouent un rôle important dans la gouvernance des PU et des grands projets auxquels elles sont adossées. En effet, elles détiennent le plus souvent des compétences en matière de gestion du foncier, de démarche participative et de gestion des espaces publics. L’ancrage institutionnel local de la PU est donc décisif pour sa réussite. Les maîtrises d’ouvrage de proximité (communes, intercommunalités) sont plus efficaces que celles qui sont nationales ou sectorielles, grâce à leur connaissance du terrain et leur capacité d’action rapide. Dans le cas de Pépinières nationales un modèle hybride reste à inventer. L’intégration du pépiniériste dans les instances de pilotage du grand projet est également un levier clé pour assurer la légitimité et le transfert d’enseignements. Pensées comme des espaces d’expérimentation, les Pépinières permettent de tester aménagements, usages et modes de gestion. Leur capacité à influencer les grands projets reste toutefois inégale, largement tributaire de l’intérêt et de l’engagement des maîtres d’ouvrage. A Kigali, pour légitimer et faciliter la remontée d’enseignements de la PU au grand projet, le pépiniériste a été intégré au comité de pilotage de ce dernier. Dans d’autre cas, la prise en compte des enseignements tirés des PU est restée limitée, faute de relais institutionnels structurés en amont et freinée par un écosystème peu aculturé aux démarches participatives. Entretien et nettoyage du site assurés par les communautés du Burkina Faso, PU Ouagadougou © Gret Un programme laboratoire... Depuis leur lancement, les Pépinières urbaines ont fonctionné comme un laboratoire d’expérimentation. Les premières générations ont révélé des limites liées à l’articulation avec les grands projets, à la disponibilité du foncier et à l’implication institutionnelle. Les échanges organisés par le programme d’animation ont incité les acteurs à prendre du recul, à modifier leurs pratiques et à ajuster le dispositif pour les générations suivantes. À Kigali, la Pépinière a testé des aménagements définitifs et des modalités de gestion ; à Monrovia, elle a alimenté les réflexions sur le drainage et les espaces publics ; à Nairobi, elle a participé à des concertations municipales et internationales. La question reste toutefois ouverte : les grands projets intégreront-ils ces enseignements ou les PU resteront-elles périphériques? ...et un équilibre à trouver entre expérimentation et pérennitée Les Pépinières urbaines ont démontré leur potentiel comme leviers d’apprentissage collectif et catalyseurs de transformation. Elles ont permis de répondre aux besoins, revaloriser l’espace public, ouvrir des marges de participation et expérimenter de nouveaux modèles de gestion, tout en sensibilisant institutions et habitant·es au « faire ensemble ». Leur avenir repose sur un équilibre délicat : consolider l’ancrage institutionnel et la pérennité des aménagements tout en préservant l’expérimentation, le droit à l’erreur et l’innovation citoyenne. Dans des contextes où les gouvernements disposent rarement des moyens nécessaires, renforcer la collaboration avec les maîtrises d’ouvrage et les collectivités locales est une condition indispensable mais ces dernières ne peuvent garantir seules l’entretien et la durabilité des espaces. L’implication active des habitant·es, la reconnaissance de leurs pratiques et de leur capacité à s’organiser, constitue le socle le plus fiable pour ancrer socialement et durablement les aménagements. Plus qu’un simple outil technique, les Pépinières urbaines ouvrent la voie à un urbanisme du quotidien négocié, partagé et inclusif, où l’innovation réside autant dans les processus collectifs que dans les infrastructures elles-mêmes. Get the full African Cities Magazine 6 Lire l'article complet ici fatou-ain-magazine-african_cities_magazine_6_francais-20260118 .pdf Download PDF • 11.10MB Previous Next

Join us as we embark on this journey to uncover the transformative potential of digital technologies in shaping the future of African cities < Back Launch of the African Cities Magazine 5 Join us as we embark on this journey to uncover the transformative potential of digital technologies in shaping the future of African cities We are pleased to announce the commencement of the 5th edition of the African Cities Magazine. This edition will showcase a special feature dedicated to exploring the transformative potential of digital technologies in driving sustainable urban development across Africa. Through in-depth analysis and insightful interviews with industry pioneers, we aim to delve into the multifaceted dimensions of how digital tools are reshaping urban landscapes and fostering innovation. We invite submissions of research articles, project insights, and interviews focusing on the intersection of digital technologies and urban transformation. Articles may highlight concrete initiatives in African cities utilizing digital solutions to enhance quality of life, alongside critical analyses of the impact and challenges associated with these technological interventions. Additionally, we encourage contributions that spotlight local initiatives and innovative solutions offered by African start-ups, contributing to the digital evolution of urban spaces. While our special feature explores the dynamic realm of digital urbanism, our magazine remains committed to covering core topics such as African Architecture and Urban Heritage, Urban Planning Innovation, and Architecture Innovation. Furthermore, we continue to celebrate the rich diversity of cities through our section, Cities Pixels and Colors, welcoming submissions that capture the essence and vibrancy of urban landscapes through various artistic mediums. Join us as we embark on this journey to uncover the transformative potential of digital technologies in shaping the future of African cities, and contribute your insights to the discourse on sustainable urban development. Are you interested in being part of this edition? Share your interest here ain-concept_note_magazine_5-20240225 .pdf Download PDF • 4.30MB ain-concept_note_magazine_5_fr-20240225 .pdf Download PDF • 4.24MB CONTENT OF THIS 5TH EDITION SPECIAL FEATURE: The potential of digital technologies for urban transformation in Africa This section begins by exploring the opportunities and potential of digital technologies for sustainable urban development in Africa. As such, it includes articles on concrete projects in African cities that are using digital technologies to improve the quality of life of their citizens. Research articles analyzing the impact of these technologies and the challenges to their successful adoption will also be presented. In addition, a series of interviews will be conducted with change agents who are contributing to the digital transformation of territories, as well as a focus on local initiatives and African start-ups offering innovative solutions for African cities. Are you interested in being part of this edition? Share your interest here URBAN PLANNING INNOVATION How to make our cities more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable, and improve the quality of life of all citizens? That is the main purpose of Urban planning innovation. This section aims to promote best practices in terms of urban planning in Africa, like urban development projects, research, governance systems, local initiatives, etc. promoting resilient and sustainable development through innovative solutions. ARCHITECTURE INNOVATION The body of a city is the shelter of his soul. The purpose of this section is to promote original architectural solutions to facing cities’ challenges like climate change, housing for all, social inclusion, etc. This includes best practices, sustainable architecture projects, innovative know-how, and architectural techniques developed in the continent to improve the quality of life for all. AFRICA’S ARCHITECTURE AND URBAN HERITAGE This section aims to put on-the-spot beauty and efficiency of previous architecture and show up construction techniques, and modern projects made with vernacular techniques. CITIES PIXELS AND COLORS The purpose of the section Cities Pixels and Colors is to show the diversity and the singularity of the cities, especially in the African context. All the expression modes are welcome here to show the beauty of our cities. Photography, paintings, sketches, Illustrations, sculptures, etc. Are you interested in being part of this edition? Share your interest here https://forms.gle/C4FxCStYhf928GaeA Previous Next

More Resilient, Sustainable and Smart African Cities, the common thread of our actions. More Resilient, Sustainable and Smart African Cities The common thread of our actions. AFRICA URBAN PLANNING IMAGERY Africa Urban Planning Imagery aims to capture, analyze, and promote African cities' mutations through satellite images. The purpose is also to show the history, diversity, originality, and complexity of urbanization in the continent. CITIES PIXELS AND COLORS Cities are a combination of a soul and a body. The body is the infrastructures, buildings, roads, etc. while the soul of the city is related to people, their cultures, and their behaviors. The purpose of the initiative Cities Pixels and Colors is to show the diversity and the singularity of the cities, especially in the African context. All the expression modes are welcome here to show the beauty of our cities. Photography, paintings, sketches, Illustrations, sculptures, etc. URBAN PLANNING INNOVATION How to make our cities more inclusive, resilient, sustainable, and improve the quality of life of all ? That is the main purpose of Urban planning innovation. We aim through this initiative to develop and promote innovative solutions contributing to building better places for all. ARCHITECTURE AND INNOVATION The body of a city is the shelter of his soul. With the rapid growth of populations in urban areas, is crucial to provide affordable housing for all, sustainable infrastructures, social facilities, and utilities. To reach these goals we need to develop new approaches and design in order to create inclusive cities. Through the initiative Architecture Innovations, we want to develop and promote original architecture solutions to facing cities’ challenges like climate change, housing for all, social inclusion, etc. AFRICAN ARCHITECTURE AND URBAN HERITAGE Architecture and urban heritage initiative seeks to highlight the richness of the African urban heritage to inspire the making of the modern city. . This is because today’s identity and tomorrow’s innovation are based on the genius of the past. What do you think is missing ? Share your initiatives with us.

< Back Faire ville ensemble : une plateforme pour réinventer la gouvernance urbaine au Cameroun Murielle Bissek; Célia Liégeois; Guy Tchakam Dans un contexte d’urbanisation rapide et d’organisation institutionnelle cloisonnée, le Projet Plateforme Urbaine au Cameroun (PUC) propose une réponse innovante pour repenser l’action publique urbaine. Porté par le Gouvernement du Cameroun, financé par l’Union européenne, et mis en œuvre par Expertise France, il vise à améliorer les politiques publiques pour des villes durables et inclusives. Le projet repose sur un dispositif central : une Plateforme nationale des acteurs de l’urbain réunissant institutions publiques (ministères, CTD), structures non institutionnelles (associations, ordres professionnels), entreprises et établissements publics, ainsi que des espaces de concertation existants, partenaires bilatéraux et multilatéraux, et structures de formation, de recherche ou de production de données. Cette Plateforme, structurée autour de groupes de travail thématiques, favorise une production collective d’outils, d’analyses et de méthodes, tout en instaurant un réflexe durable de collaboration multi-acteurs. Entre 2024 et 2025, le PUC a conduit plusieurs chantiers structurants : revue partagée du cadre normatif en matière de développement urbain, expérimentation d’une méthodologie de planification concertée sur le terrain, développement d’une plateforme numérique de données ouvertes, et renforcement des capacités des collectivités et médias. Il a également engagé une dynamique de transformation institutionnelle, avec la création d’une association d’utilité publique - validée par les acteurs - destinée à assurer l’autonomie et la pérennité de la Plateforme. En moins de deux ans, le PUC a généré des résultats concrets : la production de plusieurs outils réplicables, des formations déployées avec près de 300 acteurs formés, une gouvernance plus fluide, un meilleur accès à l’information - notamment sur les données urbaines -, la mise en place d’un « tiers-lieu » dédié à la co-création et à l’innovation urbaine, ainsi que l’impulsion d’une réforme législative pour la révision de la loi sur l’urbanisme. Plusieurs coopérations interinstitutionnelles se sont renforcées au fil du processus, grâce aux liens facilités par la Plateforme et ses groupes de travail. Le PUC offre ainsi une contribution structurante à la fabrique urbaine au Cameroun et trace des perspectives pour d’autres villes africaines confrontées aux mêmes défis d’articulation, de planification et de transition. La fragmentation institutionnelle et le manque d’articulation entre acteurs, outils et échelles freinent la mise en œuvre de politiques urbaines cohérentes et efficaces au Cameroun Face à l’urgence de mieux encadrer l’urbanisation et de rendre l’action publique plus cohérente, comment dépasser les cloisonnements et la fragmentation institutionnelle entre administrations centrales, collectivités, société civile et secteur privé dans un contexte de décentralisation progressive et de capacité locales limités ? Comment faire des outils existants (lois, données, dispositifs) de véritables leviers partagés d’action et de pilotage ? C’est à cette question structurante que répond le Projet Plateforme Urbaine au Cameroun (PUC), né de la nécessité de transformer en profondeur les pratiques de gouvernance urbaine afin d’améliorer les politiques publiques pour des villes durables et inclusives. Dans un contexte marqué par une pluralité d’acteurs (ministères, Collectivités Territoriales Décentralisées (CTD), secteur privé, société civile, bailleurs, structures de recherche et de production de données, etc.), mais aussi par une production normative consistante mais peu intégrée, le projet contribue à créer un espace structurant de dialogue et d’action concertée. Une configuration qui, bien que spécifique au Cameroun, reflète nombre de situations observées dans les villes africaines confrontées aux mêmes défis d’articulation institutionnelle et d’effectivité des outils. Cette illustration présente la hiérarchie tacite des normes de la planification spatiale au Cameroun, depuis les orientations stratégiques nationales et internationales jusqu’aux actes d’urbanisme locaux. Elle met en évidence l’articulation entre documents de planification, règles d’urbanisme et niveaux territoriaux. Le déficit d’articulation entre planification stratégique, planification spatiale et dispositifs opérationnels freine la mise en œuvre effective des projets urbains. Les CTD, en particulier, manquent souvent de compétences techniques et d’outils adaptés pour exercer pleinement leur rôle dans la fabrique de la ville. Par ailleurs, l’accès aux données urbaines et la diffusion des documents de planification restent limités, entravant la transparence, la participation citoyenne et les prises de décision éclairées. Pour répondre à ces enjeux, le Projet PUC met en place une Plateforme nationale des acteurs de l’urbain (PNAU), conçue comme un espace pérenne de concertation, d’apprentissage mutuel et de gouvernance partagée. Elle vise à instaurer une culture du dialogue mutli-acteurs, de la co-construction des décisions et du dépassement des approches fragmentées en matière de développement urbain. Elle réunit des représentants des institutions publiques (ministères, CTD), structures non institutionnelles (associations, ordres professionnels), entreprises et établissements publics, ainsi que des espaces de concertation existants, partenaires bilatéraux et multilatéraux, et structures de formation, de recherche ou de production de données. Conçue comme un levier stratégique, cette Plateforme constitue le socle du projet. Le schéma met en évidence la pluralité des membres de la Plateforme, réunissant institutions publiques, partenaires internationaux, entreprises, société civile et structures de recherche. Il illustre la richesse de cette diversité, qui permet de croiser les expertises et de renforcer un dialogue inclusif au service du développement urbain. Juin 2025, Source : Projet PUC. Cette structure centrale s’appuie, entre autre, sur quatre leviers opérationnels complémentaires : une revue concertée du cadre normatif en matière de développement urbain, des groupes de travail thématiques mêlant production et apprentissage, une plateforme numérique collaborative dédiée à la mise en réseau des données et des ressources, et un programme de renforcement des capacités ciblant les collectivités, les professionnels de l’urbain et les médias. Le Projet PUC, fruit d’un partenariat stratégique entre le Gouvernement du Cameroun et l’Union européenne avec l’appui technique d’Expertise France, se positionne comme une réponse innovante à la faible articulation des politiques urbaines entre acteurs et échelles, et à l’interopérabilité limitée des outils et pratiques. Il engage un processus progressif et transitionnel de transformation des usages et de convergence des initiatives locales, nationales et internationales, avec une attention particulière aux enjeux de genre, de jeunesse, de données ouvertes et de durabilité. Son approche de co-construction multi-acteurs suscite un intérêt croissant au-delà du Cameroun : plusieurs pays tels que le Maroc, le Cap-Vert ou le Sénégal ont sollicité le partage d’expérience dans des cadres bilatéraux ou multilatéraux, notamment lors du Forum Urbain Mondial (FUM) en 2024. La Plateforme Urbaine impulse une gouvernance collaborative et inclusive du développement urbain au Cameroun Le Projet PUC repose sur une approche résolument multi-acteurs et expérimentale. Au cœur du dispositif, la Plateforme nationale des acteurs de l’urbain (PNAU) constitue un outil stratégique de concertation multi-niveaux, réunissant pour la première fois au Cameroun l’ensemble des familles d’acteurs concernés par le développement urbain : ministères sectoriels, CTD, société civile, partenaires techniques et financiers, ordres professionnels, structures de formation, de recherche et de production de données. Elle est conçue pour structurer la coopération entre institutions, appuyer la mise en œuvre des réformes territoriales et rendre lisible l’action publique en matière urbaine. Cette photo saisit un moment du premier Café urbain, organisé le 12 septembre 2024 au MINHDU dans le cadre du Projet PUC. Ces rencontres informelles favorisent un dialogue ouvert et convivial entre jeunes professionnels, institutions et société civile autour des enjeux de la ville. Source : Projet PUC Cette dynamique structurante a conduit, dès mi-2025, à l’engagement collectif pour sa pérennisation institutionnelle : les 69 institutions membres ont acté sa transformation en association d’utilité publique dotée d’un modèle économique hybride. Une première en Afrique centrale pour une structure de ce type. En outre, un projet d’arrêté, actuellement en cours de validation à la Primature, prévoit de reconnaître la PNAU comme instrument officiel de concertation multi-acteurs du secteur du développement urbain porté par l’État et ses partenaires. Adossés à la PNAU, plusieurs Groupes de Travail (GT) permettent d’approfondir les sujets traités par les acteurs de l’urbain. Toutefois, l’innovation du PUC ne réside pas dans la mise en place de ce dispositif - pratique déjà courante dans d’autres cadres de concertation - mais dans deux avancées majeures : d’une part, l’intégration pleine et entière de la société civile au processus de concertation ; d’autre part, une méthodologie singulière qui articule une analyse théorique approfondie et sa mise en pratique, en s’appuyant directement sur des projets concrets portés par l’État ou par les CTD. Les Groupes de travail (GT) illustrent cette logique méthodologique : Le GT1B, en élaborant une méthodologie de planification concertée, s’est immergé dans le projet de la voie de contournement de Yaoundé porté par l’État, avec dix jours d’atelier en résidence transformés en « mini-bureau d’études » ; Le GT1A, mobilisé sur la revue du cadre normatif, a privilégié une lecture critique des textes, assortie de temps de restitution des travaux d’examen ; Le GT2 développe un système intégré de données urbaines, interopérable et ouvert, pensé comme un levier de performance pour les CTD et administrations sectorielles, en améliorant la gouvernance, la mobilisation des ressources et le pilotage des politiques publiques. Cette photo illustre un atelier pratique sur le cadastre polyvalent, organisé à Soa le 3 septembre 2024 dans le cadre du Projet PUC. Elle montre la participation active des acteurs locaux à l’élaboration collective de données foncières et spatiales. Source : Projet PUC Un autre point fort du PUC est d’accompagner la co-construction de modèles réplicables : méthodologies de gouvernance locale, démarches de planification concertée, méthodologie du cadastre polyvalent, programmes de formation-action. Tous contribuent à renforcer durablement les capacités des administrations et à améliorer leur performance. Cette stratégie s’incarne dans la mise à disposition d’outils numériques open source, d’espaces physiques de dialogue (cafés urbains, tiers-lieu), mais aussi de formats différenciés d’apprentissage, adaptés aux profils des acteurs. Le PUC soutient également la participation citoyenne au secteur urbain en mettant à disposition un espace physique et digital, ainsi que des méthodologies dédiées à l’inclusion des habitants et usagers dans la conception des projets. Ce mode opératoire souple et structurant permet à la fois d’accompagner la montée en compétences des acteurs, de favoriser l’appropriation progressive des outils et méthodes, et de garantir leur transférabilité. Depuis 2025, un effort particulier est consacré au transfert de maîtrise des dispositifs aux acteurs locaux, afin d’assurer une internalisation et une gouvernance autonome par les administrations concernées. Enfin, le dispositif de capitalisation continue - fiches synthétiques, comptes rendus visuels, publications en ligne et diffusion régulière - renforce cette appropriation. Dans le PUC, la méthode elle-même - immersive, collaborative, numérique et évolutive - devient un levier de transformation, au service de CTD plus performantes et d’une gouvernance urbaine mieux partagée. Cette photo illustre la 2 ème rencontre de la Plateforme nationale des acteurs de l’urbain, organisée le 30 avril 2024 à Yaoundé. Elle reflète la diversité des parties prenantes réunies autour d’un même espace de dialogue structuré sur les enjeux urbains. Source : Projet PUC L’instauration d’une culture durable de concertation et production d’outils innovants pour renforcer la gouvernance urbaine au Cameroun Le Projet PUC a généré, en moins de deux ans, des résultats tangibles dépassant largement le cadre de ses livrables initiaux. Grâce à une approche collaborative, souple et ancrée dans les besoins exprimés sur le terrain, il a contribué à faire évoluer les pratiques de gouvernance urbaine, à renforcer les compétences des acteurs, à produire de nouveaux outils et à structurer un cadre institutionnel plus cohérent. Son impact se manifeste autant dans les changements observables que dans les dynamiques de transformation enclenchées. Consolidation d’une culture du dialogue multi-acteurs En instaurant des espaces réguliers d’échange entre ministères, collectivités territoriales, ordres professionnels, experts, société civile et jeunes praticiens, le PUC a ancré un réflexe collectif de concertation. S’appuyant sur une variété de formats - sessions plénières, groupes de travail, ateliers immersifs, cafés urbains ou échanges informels - le projet a mis en place une dynamique continue de dialogue structuré. Ces espaces ont permis de clarifier les rôles, de croiser les pratiques, de renforcer la compréhension mutuelle et de créer une culture de collaboration ouverte. Plusieurs partenaires soulignent l’effet catalyseur du PUC sur la qualité des échanges interinstitutionnels, la levée progressive de silos administratifs, et surtout l’amélioration de la circulation de l’information entre les échelons territoriaux et les niveaux institutionnels, condition indispensable à l’alignement stratégique des politiques urbaines. En favorisant cette interconnexion, le projet a permis d’amorcer une gouvernance plus fluide, partagée et ancrée dans les réalités locales. Les acteurs de l’urbain ont co-élaboré un modèle de pérennisation innovant et agile de la Plateforme Nationale des Acteurs de l’Urbain (PNAU), visant à en faire une structure autonome de concertation et de coordination dotée du statut d’association d’utilité publique, à institutionnaliser d’ici le premier trimestre 2026. Cette configuration offre de meilleures garanties de durabilité que les cadres de concertation sectoriels classiques, souvent limités dans le temps ou dans leur portée. Elle a vocation à rationaliser l’action publique, y compris l’intervention des bailleurs, en fédérant l’ensemble des acteurs intervenant dans le secteur urbain et en assurant une meilleure cohérence stratégique et opérationnelle. Cette photo, prise lors d’un atelier du GT1B le 27 octobre 2024 à Mbankomo, illustre le travail collaboratif des membres réunis pour élaborer une méthodologie de planification concertée, mêlant analyse, échanges et production collective. Source : Projet PUC Production de méthodologies et d’outils réplicables Le projet a permis de poser les bases d’un socle méthodologique commun, conçu de manière collaborative avec les membres de la Plateforme et mobilisé dans plusieurs activités pilotes. Une méthodologie de planification concertée a été développée puis testée dans la Commune d’Okola dans le cadre du GT1B, enrichie par les résultats d’un atelier urbanisme et gouvernance du pôle de Nkong-Nouma, pour alimenter les études conduites par le cabinet-conseil en charge d’élaborer le plan d’aménagement et les études techniques des réseaux de la voie de contournement de Yaoundé. Cette méthode, acquise par les acteurs, peut être reproduite dans le cadre de la mise en place d’opérations d’aménagement concerté, notamment dans des contextes ou projets complexes. Une méthode de collecte de données cadastrales a également été élaborée et testée à Soa, puis enrichie par des stagiaires issus des écoles partenaires, en vue de produire un cadastre « polyvalent » - un outil multi-usages intégrant les dimensions foncière, fiscale, administrative et spatiale - à même d’accompagner les CTD dans la prise de décision, la sécurisation foncière et la mobilisation des ressources locales. Cette approche méthodologique, reproductible à moindre coût, pourra être mise à profit par d’autres CTD afin de disposer d’une connaissance fine et actualisée de leur potentiel fiscal, condition essentielle à l’optimisation de la gestion budgétaire et à la planification territoriale. Plusieurs guides opérationnels sont en cours de production et de mise à jour d’ici 2026, portant sur des thématiques clés identifiées par les membres de la Plateforme : éducation environnementale, participation citoyenne, maîtrise de la planification à l’échelle locale, etc. Ces outils visent à être diffusés largement et adaptés par d’autres territoires, dans une logique de capitalisation et de montée en compétence collective. Production d’outils pour améliorer la connaissance du secteur urbain et du territoire, et renforcer la boussole institutionnelle Le projet a engagé un travail de fond pour produire un référentiel commun de la situation actuelle, à travers une revue concertée du cadre normatif du développement urbain au Cameroun, visant à simplifier sa compréhension par les CTD et les professionnels, à encourager le recours et le financement de l’élaboration documents de planification, et à renforcer les capacités pour leur mise en œuvre effective. Cette démarche participative a permis de créer un référentiel partagé, d’identifier les incohérences existantes et d’intégrer des enjeux transversaux (genre, climat, ruralité). Le Plan d’action concerté qui en découle comporte les éléments nécessaires pour engager une réforme institutionnelle majeure, incluant la révision de la loi de 2004 sur l’urbanisme. Les outils numériques, open source et librement accessibles, produits dans le cadre du Projet tels que la Base d’Adresses Numériques Ouvertes du Cameroun (BANOC) et la Plateforme Digitale Collaborative (PDC), constituent respectivement une solution concrète aux défis d’adressage urbain, et une infrastructure de données géospatiales de partage de l’information entre les acteurs les et de redevabilité pour la population. Ces outils facilitent une meilleure connaissance des dynamiques spatiales, soutiennent la prise de décision éclairée, et renforcent la gouvernance territoriale à toutes les échelles. Ils sont d’ores et déjà mobilisés par plusieurs acteurs publics, notamment l’opérateur en charge de la distribution d’électricité, qui s’appuient sur la BANOC pour la localisation fine des clients et l’optimisation de leurs opérations sur le terrain. En favorisant l’interopérabilité des données et l’accès équitable à l’information, ils renforcent la capacité des institutions à dialoguer entre elles, à mutualiser leurs ressources et à construire des politiques fondées sur une lecture commune du territoire. Un chantier sur la période 2025-2026 est en cours pour l’élaboration d’une politique nationale de gestion des déchets, assortie d’une stratégie, conçue comme une boussole gouvernementale pour l’ensemble des acteurs qui œuvrent dans ce secteur. Amélioration de la performance de l’action publique et de la gouvernance locale La mise en place d’un système intégré de données urbaines au sein de la PDC - articulant la BANOC, le Cadastre Polyvalent et le Système d’Information Géographique Communal (SIGCOM) à développer - permet d’accroître significativement la performance de l’État et des administrations locales. En combinant des adresses précises et géolocalisées avec des informations foncières, fiscales, administratives et spatiales, les collectivités peuvent localiser avec précision les contribuables, optimiser le recouvrement fiscal, planifier les investissements et renforcer la sécurisation foncière. Cette photo illustre la présentation de l’interface de la plateforme digitale collaborative, le 15 septembre 2025 à Yaoundé. Cet outil en ligne constitue un espace centralisé d’accès aux données, ressources et projets urbains, facilitant le partage d’informations et la concertation entre acteurs. Source : Projet PUC Cette architecture de données intégrée facilite également la visualisation et la gestion fine des territoires communaux, grâce à des cartes thématiques et analyses spatiales qui identifient corrélations, tendances et zones prioritaires d’intervention. Un plaidoyer actif est mené pour favoriser l’appropriation de ces outils par l’administration, à travers une série de rencontres stratégiques avec la Direction Générale des Impôts, le ministère en charge du cadastre, le ministère de la décentralisation et d’autres acteurs clés. L’objectif est de créer un écosystème interopérable de données territoriales, garantissant une prise de décision plus éclairée, une planification plus cohérente et des villes plus intelligentes, résilientes et réactives aux besoins de leurs habitants. Renforcement des capacités des acteurs Le Projet PUC a consacré une part importante de ses efforts au renforcement des capacités techniques des agents des CTD et des services déconcentrés des administrations partenaires, afin qu’ils soient en mesure d’assurer pleinement la maîtrise d’ouvrage des projets urbains. En partenariat avec le Programme National de Formation aux Métiers de la Ville (PNFMV), plus de 140 professionnels ont été formés dans les domaines de la gestion des déchets, de la gestion foncière, de la gestion des infrastructures urbaines et de la planification locale, à travers des sessions organisées à Maroua, Yaoundé et Douala. En parallèle, une formation ciblée des journalistes et professionnels des médias a été organisée sur les enjeux de l’urbanisme durable, afin de renforcer leur compréhension des textes réglementaires, des référentiels techniques et des dynamiques territoriales. Cette initiative vise à améliorer la qualité de l’information diffusée au grand public, tout en en donnant aux journalistes les clés pour vulgariser les enjeux techniques de l’urbanisme. Elle leur permet aussi de poser un regard plus informé, critique et constructif sur les projets d’aménagement et les décisions publiques. Les supports de cours, de présentation ainsi que les enregistrements vidéo de ces formations seront bientôt disponibles sur la PDC et pourront être consultés gratuitement, afin de faciliter leur diffusion et leur mise à l’échelle. En 2026, la co-construction d’un programme pilote de formation à l’intégration professionnelle des personnels des CTD est envisagée avec la National School of Local Administration (NASLA), dans l’objectif de structurer un parcours d’insertion adapté aux réalités des collectivités et de renforcer durablement les compétences locales. Cette photo met en lumière une session de formation sur la gestion foncière, organisée au PNFMV à Yaoundé le 13 mai 2025. Rassemblant 29 apprenants, elle visait à renforcer les compétences techniques des acteurs locaux Au-delà des outils développés et des formations mises en œuvre, le PUC aura permis de repositionner la gouvernance urbaine comme un enjeu collectif, à la fois technique et politique, exigeant coordination, engagement et vision partagée. En instaurant des pratiques de concertation durables, en renforçant les capacités locales et en structurant une plateforme pérenne de concertation, le Projet PUC offre une contribution majeure à la fabrique urbaine au Cameroun - et ouvre des perspectives concrètes pour d’autres territoires africains confrontés à des défis similaires d’articulation institutionnelle et de transition urbaine. Recommandations et perspectives pour les villes africaines En créant un espace structurant de concertation, de production et d’apprentissage mutuel, le Projet PUC démontre qu’il est possible d’améliorer l’action publique urbaine à partir des dynamiques internes, sans attendre des réformes descendantes ou des modèles exogènes. Sa démarche progressive, ajustable et multiacteurs constitue une réponse concrète aux défis largement partagés dans les villes africaines : architecture institutionnelle segmentée, accès limité aux données fiables, outils normatifs peu opérationnels, déficit en ressources humaines qualifiées. Trois recommandations clés émergent de cette expérience : Ancrer la gouvernance urbaine dans des dispositifs pérennes de concertation multisectorielle, portés par des institutions nationales, dotés d’un mandat clair et d’une reconnaissance institutionnelle ; Accompagner la prise en main des outils et dispostifs, en s’appuyant sur des intiatives existantes plutôt qu’en en créant de nouvelles, afin d’amplifier l’impact et d’assurer la durabilité. Développer des outils numériques interopérables et construire des canevas de formation adaptés aux réalités territoriales, dans une logique de formation-action différenciées selon les publics (CTD, médias, etc.) pour renforcer la capacité des acteurs à mobiliser les données et à piloter les politiques locales. Le chantier reste ouvert : accompagner la montée en puissance de la PNAU étendre son ancrage au niveau local, et renforcer l’implication citoyenne à chaque étape - autant de défis structurants pour les années à venir. En consolidant une ingénierie du dialogue, en soutenant les compétences locales et en expérimentant des méthodes de planification concertée, flexibles et contextualisées, le PUC contribue à renouveler la fabrique urbaine au Cameroun en particulier et en Afrique en général. Un modèle d’intérêt pour les territoires en quête de cohérence, de proximité et d’efficacité collective. Get the full African Cities Magazine 6 Download the full article here bissek-ain-magazine-african_cities_magazine_6_francais-20260118 .pdf Download PDF • 10.23MB Previous Next

Luc Gnacadja, expert en développement urbain, met en avant le potentiel de l'économie informelle dans les villes africaines pour favoriser leur développement durable. < Back Capitaliser sur l'économie informelle pour un développement urbain durable en Afrique Luc Gnacadja Luc Gnacaja, président de GPS Développement, ancien ministre de l'Environnement au Bénin, souligne l'importance de repenser le développement urbain en Afrique. Il met en avant le caractère informel des villes africaines, dominant à plus de 80%, et souligne son rôle dans l'économie. Gnacadja encourage à capitaliser sur cette informaliité pour favoriser le développement urbain durable, soulignant le besoin d'outils et de formations adaptés pour les planificateurs et décideurs. Il appelle à une approche agile et inclusive pour répondre aux défis urbains africains. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gr0xkHHovV0

< Back The Pedestrian's Plight: Walking as an inconvenient mobility option in Abuja Mohammed Lawal Shaibu In Abuja, Nigeria's capital, walking is a common mode of transportation, yet the city's design and policies make it inconvenient and unsafe for pedestrians, particularly for marginalized groups like the poor, disabled, elderly, and children. The city's car-centric planning, including separate land use zones and limited public transportation, forces residents to rely on cars to access essential services. To improve walkability, Abuja must prioritize mixed land use, increase intersection density, establish functional public transit, enhance streetscapes, and enact pedestrian-friendly policies. Understanding the factors affecting walkability, such as land use, urban compactness, circulation, public transit, streetscape, and management policies, is crucial. Implementing measures to enhance walkability not only improves urban mobility but also promotes equity and inclusivity. Despite its challenges, Abuja has the potential to become more walkable through proactive urban planning, policy enforcement, and community engagement, ultimately leading to a more sustainable and inclusive city. Like many other African cities, walking is a primary mode of transport for most trips in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city. However, the conditions for walking are inconvenient due to the character or state of the city’s land use plan, urban compactness, circulation plan, streetscape, and urban management policies. This excludes social groups such as the poor, disabled, aged, and children from enjoying urban mobility and requires urban citizens to own or use a car to fully access their rights to the city. In order to enhance walking conditions, the city needs to reduce its car dependency by addressing the factors that improve walkability. These include embracing mixed-uses for urban compactness and diversity as opposed to separating residential from non-residential land uses, promoting high intersection densities to reduce travel distances and offer multiple route choice, ensuring functionality in public transportation, enhancing the quality of the street, and introducing pedestrian-friendly urban policies. Research-based efforts to emphasise the urgent need for inclusive and sustainable urban mobility in Abuja should be echoed and applied in practice to improve the lives of people who live and work in the city. Aerial landscape view of Abuja City Business District, by Tayvay on shutterstock_1439458676 "Walking, but not walkable: just another African city." Before the development of Abuja, every city that existed in Nigeria had been formed – even as a small town – by socio-economic forces like markets and culture. As Bertaud (2018) puts it, such cities had their original order without design before the intervention of physical development plans. Abuja is different; it is the first city in Nigeria that was developed from scratch in line with a master plan. Its original order followed a blueprint designed between 1976 and 1979. In the preface of his influential book, Cities for People, Gehl (2010) assert that city planning during that period (from the 1960s to 2000s) was problematic because it largely ignored the human scale, manifesting drastic consequences that would not be recognized until much later. Abuja’s planning was no different; it largely followed western car-centric patterns that require the urban population to own or use a car in order to fully interact with the city (Shaibu & Adebayo, 2022). In African cities, over 70% of the urban population walk as a primary transport mode to access essential services, much higher than the global average of about 40% (UNEP & UNHSP, 2022). While this is often for a lack of choice, it implies that African cities are essentially walking cities despite the car-centric urban patterns in cities like Abuja and unfavourable and dangerous walking conditions in other Sub-Saharan African cities (Halias, 2020). It is therefore essential for such cities to rethink their approach to urban planning and management by prioritising walking (and cycling) as a convenient urban mobility option. To do this, existing features and elements in Abuja that make walking inconvenient for the pedestrian should be improved through urban planning decisions. These have been repeatedly stated in different mediums to emphasise the urgent need to pursue sustainable urban mobility for the city (Nigerian Urbanism, 2023; Shaibu, 2022; Shaibu & Adebayo, 2022). Aerial view of downtown Abuja, Nigeria, by Leandry Jieutsa from an image taken from Google Earth 2022 "Abuja must understand car-dependency and walkability, then drive towards the latter." Car-dependency and walkability can be said to be inversely proportional. Quite a number of progressive cities have made efforts at reversing car dependency – a situation when reliance on private vehicles is high because it is the most favoured and convenient form of urban transport. This is typically done through the introduction of multiple means, elements, or factors that support and encourage non-private car transport such as walking, cycling, and public transportation by making them safe and convenient, thus fostering walkability. To prioritise walking in Abuja, it is important that the key factors that determine its level of car-dependency or walkability are understood. Dan Burden, one of the most popular figures in the walkability movement globally, listed eleven (11) factors that affect walkability; they are the location of facilities, adequacy of walkways, connectivity, street orientation, density, street speeds, aesthetics, land use, affordability, and neighbourhood schools (Burden, 1992). Several other authors have developed similar lists with overlapping elements that apply to Abuja. Lived and practical urban planning experience in the city, as well as literature review on walkability, suggest that the factors most relevant to Abuja are its land use plan, urban compactness, circulation plan, public transportation systems, urban streetscape design, and urban management laws/policies. Abuja’s land use plan distributes primary facilities for commerce (retail shops and neighbourhood markets), education (nursery, primary, and secondary schools), employment (office buildings), health (primary health centres and clinics), and recreation (children’s playgrounds and other parks) separately from residents, affecting proximity, connectedness, and urban compactness. This makes residents have to travel longer distances to access the services within those facilities. Its circulation plan within districts mostly follow curvilinear and cul-de-sac patterns, while cross-intersections that offer more route choices and shorter walking distances are highly discouraged. The city has no functional public transport system in operation after a ban of mini-buses in 2013, a collapse of the replacement urban mass transport scheme with metro buses in 2018, and a discontinuation of the city’s only urban rail line in 2020 after just two functional years. Most of the city’s streets lack elements like street furnishing, signages, and paved uninterrupted sidewalks that make up complete streets. Lastly, urban management policies such as the closure of pedestrian access to commercial lots as a traffic management solution worsens the pedestrian’s plight. "Aiding the pedestrian’s plight is inclusive planning." The separate distribution of facilities, curvilinear road network, absence of public transportation, incomplete streetscapes, and short-sighted urban policies in Abuja imply that the life of an urban resident who does not have or cannot use a private car is made infinitely more difficult. Such residents fall into four main social groups that are excluded from fully enjoying convenient urban mobility. These are the poor (who cannot afford private cars), the disabled (who are wheelchair bound or blind and require help from able-bodied persons), the aged (who are not advised to drive after a certain age, could be wheelchair bound, and find harsh vehicle noises unfriendly), and children (who are not allowed to drive and at high risk of pedestrian injury and death). Enhancing walkability in Abuja is therefore about equity and inclusivity which are important sustainable development principles that accord high consideration to disadvantaged people. Abuja, by macdavis-johnson on unsplash, November 2021 "Still, the people are walking. Help them walk better." Despite the realities of Abuja, walking remains common for first and last mile intermodal transport especially in parts of the city where commercial motorcycles (okada) and tricycles (keke-NAPEP) are not allowed to operate. Abuja needs to intentionally enhance the highlighted factors that affect its walkability so as to make walking better by improving safety and convenience for pedestrians. The primary way to achieve this as emphasised by Jacobs (1961) is to plan land uses within walking distances of each other through mixed uses for more compact and diverse cities. Abuja needs to ensure that detailed plans for districts yet to be developed have sufficient provision for mixed-use plots within neighbourhoods. The current practice of allowing different kinds of uses along a mixed-use corridor, yet separate uses for every plot along that corridor, is a flawed approach. Instead, mixed use plots should allow different uses on different floor levels or different areas within one plot provided that the uses are compatible and complementary. Within already developed districts, particularly in Phase I of the city, efforts should be put towards densification through mutually beneficial partnerships between current property holders and housing developers as was historically applied in the Athens polikatoikias system (O'Sullivan, 2020). Densification of Abuja’s urban core will present other socio-economic benefits such as improved tax base per land area, better utilisation of existing infrastructure, and allowance for community parks with potential for increased social capital. It is also necessary to address the disinclination to cross-intersections in neighbourhood designs. The conventional grid street pattern that is prominent in cities like Barcelona, Chicago, and New York is considered to best facilitate walking because of its high intersection density which offers more route choices and shorter walking distances (Campoli, 2012). With such a pattern, pedestrians are more likely to walk along a straight line, have three possible directions to go on approaching an intersection, and can permeate through city blocks more frequently. Radial circulation patterns in historic African towns and cities also have high intersection densities with primary streets running to the central palace, market, and religious centre and circling secondary streets that repeatedly cross the primary streets at increasing radii. However, as early as from the university level, urban and regional planning students are sternly taught to avoid cross-intersections in their plans and designs, an ideology that is carried on to professional practice. The reason for this is that such intersections are considered to offer longer waiting time for vehicles to cross or turn and more possible vehicular conflict/collision points. Having established that they are better for pedestrians but arguably not as favourable to the vehicle, the discouragement of cross-intersections displays a glaring illustration of car-centric planning that pursues convenience for the vehicle at the expense of convenience for the pedestrian. Furthermore, Abuja is in desperate need of public transportation systems to intermediate the pedestrian’s long-distance trips. This implies that residents can walk (or cycle) from their starting destination to a nearby public transport station (e.g., bus stop), use the system to commute, and then walk to their final destination. Public transport systems are beneficial for cities as they minimize traffic congestion, pollution emissions, and energy consumption per traveler. Abuja, by oussama obeid on shutterstock, september 2023 The city has struggled with public transport over the past decade due to poor planning, maintenance, and financial constraints. Nonetheless, a lack of metro buses, at the very least, is inexcusable for a capital city of Abuja’s caliber. The city is currently dependent on private salon cars for public transport with overcrowding and physical struggle at popular pick-up/drop-off points. Sidewalks and their accompanying elements such as signs, furniture, landscaped strips, etc. are crucial to the walking experience. They should not be perceived as future add-ons for streets where the common practice in Abuja, mostly outside the urban core, is to pave drive lanes first and await interventions years in future. This leaves a lot of streets lacking those crucial elements that encourage people to walk and make walking more pleasant. Moreso, where such sidewalks are existing, efforts should be made to address interruptions such as reckless car parking, obstructive driveways into plots, and open refuse dumping. Lastly, policies that favour pedestrians and minimise car dependency should be enforced in the urban management of Abuja. Such policies should be derived following extensive and in-depth studies on the city’s physical and socio-economic urban context as well as case studies from successful policies in other cities around the world. "Abuja has the capacity to foster walkability if it decides to." Abuja is a unique African city because its development originally followed a masterplan, albeit a car-centric one. Yet, it is similar to many other African cities with regards to the high levels of walking The paradox is that despite the city’s car-centric plan, walking remains a primary urban transport mode and, therefore, efforts towards enhancing the walking experience through improved convenience and safety for the pedestrian should be intensified. The city’s land use plan, circulation plan, public transport functionality, streetscape, and urban management policies are critical factors that require intervention to reduce the city’s car-dependency and improve walkability. The current pedestrian-unfriendly state of these factors should not portray Abuja in bad light. They are instead an indication of the possibilities for more inclusive and sustainable urban mobility which can be achieved through an improvement in urban planning teaching, ideology, and practice as well as improved policy making at a city-level. To achieve these, urban planners and other stakeholders in academia and practice should grab every opportunity to help the city (and its decision-makers) understand where it falls short and why it needs to sit up. Resources such as the compilation of good practices that can inspire government actions and decisions to retain, protect, and enable people that walk and cycle in Africa are highly recommended (UNEP & UNHSP, 2022). What is Abuja waiting for? Abuja, by oussama obeid on shutterstock Previous Next

< Back Influence of religion and beliefs in architecture Franklin Yemeli Religion and beliefs have significantly influenced the development of societies in Africa, particularly in the construction of monuments. Four such monuments are the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove in Nigeria, the Rock-hewn Churches of Lalibela in Ethiopia, the Great Mosque of Djenné in Mali, and the Aksum or Axum in Ethiopia. The Osun-Oshogbo sacred forest, located in Nigeria, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a national monument, with numerous shrines, palaces, holy places, and worship places. The Rock-hewn Churches of Lalibela, built in the early 13th century, are considered the largest Christian site in Africa. The Great Mosque of Djenné, built in 1838, is considered the most prestigious monument in West Africa. The city of Aksum, located near Ethiopia's northern border, was the heart of ancient Ethiopia's Aksumite Empire and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980. However, some monuments are threatened with extinction due to human factors such as conflicts or uncontrolled urbanization. Africa, the cradle of humankind! People often speak of it as a rich and fascinating continent, a land of natural and cultural diversity. And this is not just talking, because if you look closely, you will soon realize that this place is unique. From its breathtaking landscapes to the cultural practices and lifestyles of its people, this continent has much to seduce and inspire. However, one essential thing that is not talked about enough is the African monuments. They stand out because of their originality and, especially, the place they hold in the hearts of the local populations. Here, religion and beliefs have particularly influenced the development of societies and this is reflected in their buildings. Let’s discover together four of these monuments built by the local populations themselves and which still make the whole world dream. “Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove in Nigeria…” About 250 kilometers from Lagos, in the south of Nigeria, lies the town of Oshogbo, the capital of Osun State. On the outskirts of this town is one of the last surviving areas of the primary forest despite deforestation, the Osun Sacred Forest. It is crossed by the Osun River, which is very important to the local community. The state, the forest, and the river are named after the goddess Osun, a deity of the Yoruba pantheon who is believed to reside in the river. Throughout the year, tourists and pilgrims visit the river to pay homage to the goddess. The three “heads” of the Ogboni Shrine In the Osun-Oshogbo sacred forest, there are about 400 species of plants, more than half of which have medicinal properties. Amid this dense vegetation, numerous shrines, two palaces, five holy places, and nine places of worship have been laid out along the banks. Over the past four decades, numerous sculptures and works of art have been erected in honor of the goddess Osun. From the 1950s onwards, the forest’s history was marked by Suzanne Wenger, an Austrian adventurer and artist. After falling ill and being treated by a local herbalist, she married a Yoruba priest, adopted the local culture and devoted her time to restoring the shrines, defending the forest and the culture of the Yoruba, until she died in 2009. Together with local and foreign artists, Suzanne Wenger created the «New Sacred Art» movement in the early 1960s. Today, the modern sculptures they created stand side by side with the old traditional ones. These are intended to underline the sacredness of the place and to celebrate the deities. This restoration has given the place a new lease of life, making it a symbol of Yoruba identity beyond the country’s borders. Because of its sacred character, this forest is an important place for the community and its relationship with its deities. Indeed, regular worship services are held here, and every year festive processions are held to renew the mystical ties between the goddess and the people of Oshogbo, ensuring the preservation of the living cultural traditions of the Yoruba. The forest has been under the administrative control of the Osun State Government since 1990. Several measures have been put in place to prevent hunting, fishing, smuggling, logging and farming. After being declared a national monument in 1965 and upgraded in status in the 1990s, the forest was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. “The Rock-hewn Churches of Lalibela in Ethiopia…” Some 645 kilometres from the capital Addis Ababa, in what is now the Amhara region, lies the magnificent Lalibela. Perched on a mountainside, this monastic city is considered the largest Christian site in Africa. Its charm stems from the eleven rock-hewn churches built in the early 13th century by the order of King Gebre Mesqel Lalibela. Indeed, with the expansion of Islam, pilgrimages to the holy city were becoming increasingly difficult. King Lalibela, therefore, wanted to allow the Ethiopian Orthodox Christians to have their own Jerusalem on their land. Hence the names «Black Jerusalem» or «Ethiopian Jerusalem» are often attributed to this city. Its monolithic churches dug below ground level, several tens of metres deep, are not only an essential cultural asset for the community, but they have also helped to shape the landscape as it is today. They form two groups in addition to an isolated church. Bete Giyorgis ©Sailko To the northwest: Bete Debre Sina, Bete Mikael, Bete Gologota-Selassié, Bete Maryam, Bete Meskel and Bete Medhane Alem. To the southeast, about 300m from the first group: Bete Gebriel-Rufael, Bete Merqorewos, Bete Abba Libanos and Bete Amanuel. To the southwest: the solitary cross-shaped Bete Giyorgis. A network of tunnels and gorges carved into the rock connect all the churches. Other elements referring to the Bible have been included in the planning of the site over the years to reflect the authentic Jerusalem as much as possible. These include the Jordan River and Mount Sinai. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978, the site has been attracting more and more people from different horizons either on pilgrimage or to dis-cover the place. Like all other heritage sites, these churches are threatened over time by natural constraints, some more than others. After the creation of shelters scaffolded and covered with corrugated iron sheets to protect them, UNESCO launched a competition in 2001 to design more aesthetic protection. In 2004, construction of the shelters designed by Italian architects Claudio Baldis-serri, Lorenzo Sarti and Aldo Aymonino began. However, these sloping roofs supported by gigantic metal pillars are not unanimously accepted, and for some people represent more of a danger than protection. “The Great Mosque of Djenné in Mali…” In the heart of the beautiful city of Djenné, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988, lies a jewel considered by many as the most prestigious monument in West Africa: The Great Mosque of Djenné. In addition to being the largest mud building in the world, it is considered to be the supreme representation of the Sudano-Sahelian architectural style. This particular style is characteristic of this region and makes the mosques in the Sahel very recognizable. But unlike the other mosques, the Great Mosque of Djenné was built in a place that had not previously hosted a religious building. It was built in 1238 by Sultan Koi Komboro on the site of his palace. After his conversion to Islam, he decided to demolish his palace and build a mosque in its place. The next sultan built the towers and the one after that, the surrounding wall. In 1819, the city was taken by Sékou Amadou, following a holy war. He decided to destroy the mosque built by Koi Komboro because it did not reflect the simple and uncluttered Islam he preached. He, therefore, built a more modest mosque and prevented access to the great mosque which, without maintenance, rapidly deteriorated under the action of the elements. When the French arrived years later, the mosque was in ruins. It is under this french occupation that the present building was built. It was built between 1906 and 1907 under the supervision of Ismaïla Traoré. The building was built on a platform of 85 m in length and 75 m in width with non-parallel sides. The platform is elevated 3 m above the natural ground level and is accessible thanks to six staircases that symbolize the passage from the profane to the sacred. The building has a maximum capacity of about 1000 people. Despite the apparent symmetry of the building, the facades are all different. Several elements contribute to making them sublime and authentic; in particular, the texture of the earthen material, the openings, the pilasters surmounted by cones, and above all the bundles of Rodier palm sticks which also serve as scaffolding during the plastering work. The eastern façade, facing Mecca, is the most ornate and monumental with its three imposing minarets. Inside the Great Mosque ©Juan Manuel Garcia The building has a roofed section supported by 90 huge pillars connected by ogival arches. The roof, which is 8 m above the lower floor, has 104 holes for lighting and ventilation of the interior spaces. An uncovered area at the rear is bordered on three sides by galleries. Every year, maintenance work is organized for this colossal and fragile jewel, to protect it before the arrival of the rains. The whole community takes part in the plastering work under the direction of the Djenné masons’ guild. The material used is a clever mixture of earth and water, with rice bran, shea butter, and baobab powder, made by the inhabitants themselves. This activity is accompanied by great festivities that are very important for the community. “Aksum or Axum in Ethiopia…” Located in a mountainous region near the northern border of Ethiopia, the city of Aksum was between the Ist and VIth centuries the heart of ancient Ethiopia, the Aksumite Empire. This Empire at the crossroads of three continents, Africa, Arabia, and the Greco-Roman world was more powerful than the Eastern Roman Empire and Persia. Axoum (Éthiopie) ©UNESCO_Francesco Bandarin Today, the old city of Aksum, a symbol of this former glory, is characterized by massive ruins dating from the Ist to the XIIIth century. These include monolithic obelisks, giant stelae, royal tombs, and ancient castles. The city, with its many archaeological sites, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980. Among the most important sites in the city is a large stelae park with tens of monolithic obelisks. These are among the largest man-made monoliths. The largest one still standing is over 23 meters high and has a beautiful engraved decoration. However, there was a 33 meters high one that is said to have collapsed during its installation. The broken pieces are still on the site. The inscriptions made in the stone were certainly not only of decorative value. They have proved to be of great importance to ancient historians. Some of them contain texts in three languages, Greek, Sabean and Geza, inscribed by King Ezana in the 4th century after Christ. In 1937, after the occupation of Ethiopia by Mussolini’s armies, one of the Aksum obelisks was removed from the site and taken to Italy as a war trophy. It was erected in Rome, in front of the building that housed the Italian Ministry of Africa until 1945 and which became the headquarters of the FAO in 1951. After committing to return it in 1947, Italy finally did so in 2005. This was followed by the reinstallation of the obelisk on its original site in 2008. Obelisks were used as tombs for the kings of old. Over time, many tombs have been excavated, some looted, others spared. Their contents are now preserved in the archaeological museums of Aksum and Addis Ababa. Another major site in the city is the Church of St. Mary of Zion, located near the large stelae park. It is one of the churches built after the introduction of Christianity in the 4th century after Christ and is supposed to house the Ark of the Covenant. It is a bit sad that such masterpieces are often ignored and it is even more worrying to learn that some of them are threatened with extinction. Indeed, alongside the list of Unesco World Heritage sites, there is the list of World Heritage in Danger. Several of these extraordinary sites around the world are already listed, threatened with extinction mainly by human factors such as conflicts or uncontrolled urbanization. The ancient city of Djenné has been on this list since 2016, as the insecurity in the region prevents the maintenance and protection of this jewel. On the other hand, climate change would also be a threat, as it would have a significant impact on the availability of quality mud for construction and maintenance work such as the Great Mosque. None of the other heritages mentioned above is included in this list, but the committee has discussed in the past the possibility of including Lalibela. Several of its monolithic churches are indeed in a state of severe deterioration. The good news is that these monuments are increasingly being considered, and steps are being taken to ensure that for a very long time to come they can continue to maintain the harmony of local societies, provide information on historical facts and ways of life, and above all inspire us with their majestic and lasting character. Previous Next