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We invite researchers, practitioners, organizations, and urban actors to contribute to the special issue of African Cities Magazine (Issue 6), dedicated to public spaces in Africa. This edition will highlight best practices in the analysis, design, and management of these essential urban spaces. African Cities Magazine Issue 6 African Cities Magazine, published by the Africa Innovation Network, is a distinguished platform dedicated to showcasing transformative urban development across Africa. Its mission is to highlight the beauty, diversity, challenges, and opportunities of African cities today, while envisioning the cities of tomorrow. What is the content of this sixth edition? Special feature: Public spaces in Africa We invite researchers, practitioners, organizations, and urban actors to contribute to the special issue of African Cities Magazine (Issue 6), dedicated to public spaces in Africa. This edition will highlight best practices in the analysis, design, and management of these essential urban spaces. As dynamic environments at the heart of African cities, public spaces are constantly evolving, intersecting with economic, social, cultural, and environmental issues. This special issue aims first to understand the dynamics of public space usage by analyzing the daily interactions of city dwellers. Informal markets, transport hubs, busy sidewalks, and public squares are vital spaces of convergence and social appropriation, where different actors—street vendors, mobile workers, and residents—interact. The goal is to explore the tensions and opportunities arising from these diverse uses and to identify key factors for designing more inclusive and adaptable public spaces. Next, the issue will address major contemporary challenges linked to public spaces, including rapid urban growth, social exclusion, climate change, safety, and accessibility. How can cities ensure public spaces remain open, inclusive, and representative of all citizens? What strategies can help reconcile infrastructure planning with actual urban practices, especially in contexts where informality dominates? Finally, this issue will showcase innovative approaches in urban planning, governance, and public space management. Through case studies and concrete examples, we will feature successful public space revitalization projects, participatory governance models, and analytical tools that offer new ways to rethink these crucial urban areas. This special issue aims to provide a framework for reflection and action, equipping policymakers, urban planners, researchers, and engaged citizens with insights to co-create more inclusive, resilient, and contextually relevant public spaces in African cities. We welcome contributions from academics, practitioners, organizations working on public spaces in Africa. Share your insights, research, and case studies to shape this essential conversation! Portrait and interviews This section spotlights visionary individuals and organizations driving urban innovation for more sustainable and resilient African cities. It features urban planners, architects, engineers, artists, and innovators developing transformative solutions, alongside companies, research institutions, and design firms pioneering change. Through in-depth interviews and profiles, this segment highlights the leaders shaping Africa’s urban future. Urban Planning & Innovation How can African cities become more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable while enhancing the quality of life for all citizens? This section explores best practices in urban planning, featuring groundbreaking development projects, governance frameworks, local initiatives, and research that integrate innovative solutions to foster sustainable urban transformation across the continent. Architecture & Innovation Architecture serves as the structural and cultural backbone of cities. This section showcases cutting-edge architectural solutions addressing key urban challenges such as climate change adaptation, affordable housing, and social inclusion. It highlights innovative design practices, sustainable building projects, and emerging architectural techniques that enhance urban living while preserving Africa’s unique identity. African Architecture & Urban Heritage With its rich architectural heritage, Africa is home to centuries-old building techniques that continue to shape modern design. This section highlights traditional architecture, heritage conservation, and contemporary projects inspired by traditional African construction methods. It explores both preserved and endangered heritage sites, emphasizing the role of restoration, adaptive reuse, and cultural identity in contemporary urban development. Cities Pixels and Colors Cities are living canvases, reflecting the diversity, culture, and innovation of their inhabitants. This section celebrates the visual identity of African cities through photography, digital art, paintings, sketches, sculptures, and illustrations. By merging urban aesthetics and creative expression, Cities, Pixels & Colours captures the vibrancy and uniqueness of Africa’s urban landscapes, offering a visual narrative of city life. What type of contributions are we expecting ? We welcome two types of articles: Research Articles and Project Articles. Research articles A research article for African Cities Magazine is a cross-disciplinary scholarly work that presents original research findings related to African cities. These articles contribute to the advancement of knowledge by exploring key urban challenges, proposing innovative solutions, and engaging with contemporary debates on city development in Africa. These articles must offer new perspectives on urban transformation in Africa, bridging theory and practice. They should be well-researched, evidence-based, and insightful, making them valuable to urban planners, architects, policymakers, and researchers engaged in shaping African cities. Authors should follow the submission model provided in the attached concept note. Research must be well-structured, analytically rigorous, and align with the thematic focus of African Cities Magazine. Each research article should follow a clear and structured format, with a maximum length of 2,000 words, including: Abstract (max 250 words) – Summarizes the research, objectives, and key findings. Argument (max 1000 words) – Develops the core research question, theoretical framework, and methodology. Discussion (max 1000 words) – Analyzes results, implications, and contributions to urban studies. Conclusion (max 250 words) – Highlights key takeaways and future research directions. References – Properly cited sources to support the research. The deadline for submitting research articles is 30 June 2025. Project articles A project article for African Cities Magazine is a detailed, structured presentation of a real-world initiative that has positively transformed urban spaces in Africa. These articles showcase best practices, innovative approaches, and successful case studies that contribute to sustainable, inclusive, and resilient cities. They highlight impactful projects that can inspire other cities, planners, and policymakers by sharing valuable lessons, challenges, and solutions. Each project should introduce creative methodologies to address urban challenges, demonstrate measurable community impact, and serve as a scalable best practice. Submissions must align with the magazine’s key themes, emphasizing transformative urban innovations. Each project article should be a maximum of 2,000 words and follow a clear five-part structure: Abstract (250 words max) - Brief introduction to the project: What is it about? What problem does it address? Project Rationale (500 words max) - Context and background: What urban issue led to the creation of this project? The needs and challenges it aims to solve, The stakeholders involved. Project Approach (500 words max) - Detailed methodology: How was the project developed and implemented? The innovative strategies used, Key partnerships and collaboration efforts, etc. Project Impact (500 words max) - How has the project improved urban life? (Sustainability, inclusivity, resilience, economic benefits, etc.), Data, statistics, or testimonials showing its effectiveness, Any challenges faced and lessons learned. Conclusion (250 words max) - Final reflections on the project’s success and limitations, Potential for replication in other cities, Future developments or expansions planned. References – Any supporting research, reports, or sources that validate the project's success. The deadline for submitting project articles is 30 June 2025. Key Dates & Process Call for Contributions (18 March – 18 April 2025) The call for contributions opens on 18 March, inviting researchers, practitioners, and urban professionals to submit tentative abstracts and titles for their proposed articles. At this stage, authors have the flexibility to refine and modify their content later in the process. Abstract Review & Selection (21 April – 30 April 2025) Between 21 April and 25 April, submitted abstracts will undergo an initial review by the scientific committee, assessing their relevance, originality, and alignment with the theme of the magazine. Authors will be notified of the acceptance or rejection of their abstracts by 30 April. Full Article Submission (30 June 2025) Authors with accepted abstracts must submit their full articles by 30 June. These submissions must be made through the African cities magazine website. The submission link will be shared with the authors. Every submission must follow this process. Peer Review Process (1 July – 15 August 2025) From 1 July to 15 August, the scientific committee will conduct a detailed review of the submitted articles. The submissions will be subject to a rigorous peer review process to ensure quality, coherence, and academic relevance.Reviewers will provide feedback, comments, and recommendations for revisions. Notification of Accepted Articles (22 August 2025) Authors will be notified of the final selection of articles on 22 August. Articles requiring revisions must be updated based on the reviewers’ comments. Submission of Final Revised Articles (12 September 2025) Authors must submit their final, corrected versions incorporating reviewers' feedback by 12 September. This ensures the quality and rigor of all published contributions. Editing and Layout (15 September – 17 October 2025) Once finalized, articles will undergo professional editing and layout formatting between 15 September and 17 October to prepare the magazine for publication. Official Publication (31 October 2025) The African Cities Magazine edition 6 will be officially published on 31 October on Africa Innovation Network website, making it available to urban researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and the broader public. Sorry, but this form is now closed. Contact us at contact@africinno.com if you want to publish an article with us. Submission of tentative abstracts and titles for the African Cities Magazine 6 We are pleased to announce the commencement of the 6th edition of the African Cities Magazine. Share your interest in submitting an article by filling out the form below. Together, let's foster meaningful discourse and drive positive change in our urban landscapes. First name* Last name* Organization/institution Contact email* In which section do you want to submit an article?* Special feature: Public spaces in Africa Urban planning innovation Architecture Innovation African Architecture and Urban Heritage Cities Pixels and Colors What type of article do you want to submit ?* Project article Research article Research articles: These are articles that take a transversal approach to one or more subjects and they correspond to one of 4 categories: Urban planning innovation; Architecture and innovation; Africa’s architecture and urban heritage; and Cities pixels and colors. Project articles: These are articles that present an inspiring projects with a high impact in one of the 4 categories: Urban planning innovation Architecture and innovation; Africa’s architecture and urban heritage; Heading of your article (tentative)* The title of your article. This doesn’t need to be the final one. You will be able to change it during the final submission. Your article abstract (Tentative) This is the very beginning of your research article, that provides an overview of the topic that is to be described in greater detail in the final article. In this section you should provide your article statement; this is simply a summary of what you’re setting out to demonstrate in your article. Submit

Africa Innovation Network is a think tank developing new approaches for more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities in Africa. We develop initiatives, projects, programs, and materials to support cities to move forward to more sustainable human settlements. Our Team. This is your Team page. It's a great space to introduce your team and talk about what makes it special, such as your culture and work philosophy. Don't be afraid to illustrate personality and character to help users connect with your team. Don Francis Founder & CEO Ashley Jones Tech Lead Tess Brown Office Manager Lisa Rose Product Manager Email info@mysite.com Call 123-456-7890 Follow

< Back Innovation at the service of community projects in Africa Yoel Mukalay Africa's rich architectural heritage is reflected in its ancient architecture, which has served African societies in various ways throughout history. However, the continent is also home to breathtaking sustainable designs, incorporating local culture and materials. Innovative architecture is being implemented throughout Africa to provide immediate solutions to communities, such as education, health, and water. For example, the "Women's Opportunity Centre" in Rwanda empowers women by reviving a lost Rwandan design tradition with circular forms. Education is also a key focus, with architects using traditional building techniques with modern engineering methods to create more structurally robust structures. The HIkma religious and secular complex in Niger uses Compressed Earth Bricks (CEB) made with laterite soil for a culture and education hub. Health is another area where innovative architecture is being implemented. The Emergency NGO Children's Surgical Hospital in Lake Victoria uses resources from earth, water, and the sun, with a photovoltaic roof that provides shade and uncovered walkways. The African continent is human to the human race and civilization, a civilization reflected in its ancient architecture. From the Pyradis in Egypt to the Nubian pyramids at Meroe to The ruin of the temple at Yeha, Ethiopia. Architecture has served African societies in multiple ways throughout history. In recent years, Africa is well known and depicted mainly on the humanitarian side by the mainstream media, blurring the rich architectural heritage the continent has brought to the world. However; the continent is home to breathtaking sustainable designs. The uniqueness of some buildings currently designed in Africa by various local as well as foreign architects, is the sustainable aspect of the building and the impact they have on local communities. Challenges Africa presents vary from a climate with an intense hit to acquiring necessary materials, yet the know-how of some remarkable architects have helped to design sustainable buildings which do respond directly to the local climate, the site, and make usage of local materials in including the local culture in the design. Taking inspiration and re-interpreting traditional and ancient local architecture, with contemporary methods and structure, the innovative architecture being implemented throughout the continent is providing immediate solutions to communities in Africa with easy access to basic services, such as education, health, water. “Empower local communities…” To illustrate the impact of the innovative architecture has on local women communities, the “Women’s Opportunity Centre’’ was designed by Sharon Davis Design, located in Katonza, Rwanda to empower one small community of women that dedicate their days to small subsistence farms, fetching freshwater, and scavenging wood for fuel. In the architect’s words, the design “revives a lost Rwandan design tradition with deep spatial and social layers. Its circular forms radiate outward, from intimate classrooms at the center of the site to a community space, farmer’s market, and the civic realm beyond. Women’s Opportunity Center_administration_buildings_2013_© Elizabeth Felicella The center’s circular structures are modeled after the historic King’s Palace in southern Rwanda, whose woven-reed dwellings were part of an indigenous tradition that the region had all but lost. The design draws on the delicacy of this vernacular Rwandan construction method with rounded, perforated brick walls that allow for passive cooling and solar shading, while maintaining a sense of privacy. Architects, in partnership with local companies, have been able to create water purification, biogas, and other sustainable systems that can be produced and maintained by the locals themselves. “Education for everyone…” The innovative architecture has not left behind the importance of education. On education, Nelson Mandela could say “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”. The parallel between what Mandela said and the poverty of many communities in Africa brings about crucial questions, such as how can architecture truly modify places and give children schools better conditions? Is it possible to give an architectural answer to very poor societies around the African Continent? Architects need to think about using architecture as a tool, even in places that lack money and building technologies, and Diébédo Francis Kéré is doing exactly that in Africa. Primary School in Gando_perspective_2001_© Siméon Duchoud In his home country, Burkina Faso, Diébédo Francis Kéré designed a primary school in Gando, in 2001, with a design reflecting an architectural style that combines traditional building techniques with modern engineering methods. The design for the Primary School has developed from a lengthy list of parameters including cost, climate, resource availability, and construction feasibility. In order to maximize results with the minimal resources available, a clay/mud hybrid construction was primarily used. These traditional clay-building techniques were modified and modernized in order to create a more structurally robust construction in the form of bricks. The clay bricks have the added advantage of being cheap, easy to produce, and also provide thermal protection against the hot climate. The roof of the Primary School has been pulled away from the learning space of the interior though, and a perforated clay ceiling with ample ventilation was introduced. This dry-stacked brick ceiling allows for maximum ventilation, pulling cool air in from the interior windows and releasing hot air out through the perforated ceiling. Startup_lion_campus_exterior_view01_2021_©kere_architecture In turn, the ecological footprint of the school is vastly reduced by alleviating the need for air-conditioning. The contribution of the entire community to build the school has been a step in the future with more possibilities, both for those who now have a decent building in which to learn (the school) and for those who now know how to build this building. “Architecture for culture and religion…” One of the well-known aspects of Africa is its religious diversity. Religious facilities can be used for more than spiritual purposes, but rather to pursue knowledge alongside religious practice. One living example is the HIkma, religious and secular complex. Designed by atelier Masomi + studio Chahar, the building complex is located Masomi in Dandaji, a village in the arid Western Niger with a young population of around 3000. HIKMA - A Religious and Secular Complex_Facade_2018_© James Wang The project is a culture and education hub where the secular and religious peacefully coexist to cultivate minds and strengthen the community. The new library provides books, a computer lab, and quiet study spaces to improve reading and vocabulary skills for the community and to increase graduation rates of a population with low literacy rates and high economic vulnerability. By involving women groups in the project, additional spaces for literacy, accounting courses, and workshops have been added. The new mosque engages women and the youth positively in addition to other spaces, as productive members of the community. The project introduces Compressed Earth Bricks (CEB) made with laterite soil found on-site; a new material in the area with the advantage of being lower maintenance than adobe, with similar thermal benefits. Most of the project materials are sourced from less than a 5km radius distance to the site, while the use of concrete is limited to structural elements such as columns and lintels. The thermal mass of the CEBs and natural ventilation keep indoor temperatures comfortable and remove the need for mechanical cooling. The effect is amplified with extensive planting throughout the site, using a drip irrigation system to help the vegetation thrive. The system dramatically lowers water consumption and will use an underground water reservoir that captures the rainy season’s downpours. “Architecture for health…” Women’s empowerment centers, better schools, culture, and education hubs, and many other facilities would have not served a sick and unhealthy society. “To be able to achieve the laudable goals (of preventing and treating HIV/AIDS), especially for us in sub-Saharan Africa, there is the need for us to invest in improving our weak health systems. The inadequate number of healthcare facilities in many of our countries is a major issue of concern.”John Dramani Mahama. To face the inadequate number of healthcare facilities, The Emergency NGO Children’s Surgical Hospital was designed by TAMassociati with Renzo Piano Building Workshop for Pediatric Surgery, at Lake Victoria, 35 Kilometers from Kampala. The Hospital is built by using resources of the earth, water, and the sun. A strong sustainable approach in design choices: load bearing walls with the rammed earth technique and a roof made from a suspended canopy structure supporting 3,700 square meters of photovoltaic panels. Children’s Surgical Hospital_Bird view_2021_©EMERGENCY_NGO Responding to the site’s topographical curves towards a nearby lake, the scheme’s walls and pathways form terraces on which the hospital itself stands. Stacked walls break the distinction between various zones to create a unity between the lake, park, and internal hospital environment, leading to “a spatial continuum between interior and exterior.” Born from the earth, the hospital gets its energy from the sun, with 9,800 square meters of photovoltaic panels ensuring the hospital has an autonomous electricity supply during the day. The photovoltaic roof “floats” above the building, also guaranteeing shade for the hospital and uncovered walkways. Africa has not only brought to the world a rich architectural heritage, the innovative architecture being implemented on the continent continues to pursue solutions to provide a better service to local communities by inspiring itself from the cultural history of the continent through sustainable and vernacular ways to truly modify places and give people better-living conditions and also answer to poor societies, not only in Africa, but all around the world. Previous Next

Nairobi is Kenya's capital, premier city, and one of Africa's most important cities. Nairobi is East Africa’s largest and most industrially diversified city with a population of about 5.0 million. The city has grown and transformed significantly in recent years, in large part due to real estate and retail developments that have reshaped the city’s built environment. This series illustrates the dynamics in place in this bustling capital of East Africa. Nairobi-Kenya Nairobi is Kenya's capital, premier city, and one of Africa's most important cities. Nairobi is East Africa’s largest and most industrially diversified city with a population of about 5.0 million. The city has grown and transformed significantly in recent years, in large part due to real estate and retail developments that have reshaped the city’s built environment. This series illustrates the dynamics in place in this bustling capital of East Africa.

< Back Digital Tools In Architecture: Opportunities For Afrocentric Architecture Kairu Karega, Leandry JIEUTSA, Cédrix Tsambang, Joel Mukalay Afrocentric architecture is gaining momentum in Africa, driven by a renewed interest in its rich cultural heritage, social fabric, and environmental considerations. Digital tools are enabling architects to translate these principles into sustainable, future-proof structures. Tools like Rhino, Grasshopper, and Revit can help design Afrocentric architecture and support complex geometric designs. Building Information Modeling (BIM) can be a powerful tool for integrating Afrocentric design elements, allowing for deeper exploration and representation of local concepts and materials. BIM allows for precise modeling of construction techniques using local materials, ensuring they respect circular economy principles. By using BIM in Afrocentric architecture, best practices include contextualizing the tool, ensuring cultural sensitivity, and promoting sustainability. By incorporating Afrocentric design elements into modern designs, the continent can preserve its cultural identity and promote sustainable practices. 3D printing with clay offers a sustainable and culturally relevant solution for Afrocentric architecture, reducing carbon footprints and promoting local resources. This technology allows for intricate patterns reflecting African design elements. Modular architecture, utilizing prefabricated components, reduces construction time, costs, and improves quality control, making it ideal for affordable housing in rapidly urbanizing African cities. The architectural landscape of Africa is undergoing a renaissance. A renewed interest in Afrocentric design principles – those rooted in the continent's rich cultural heritage, social fabric, and environmental considerations – is driving innovation. Digital tools are playing a crucial role in this evolution, empowering architects to translate these principles into tangible, sustainable, and future-proof structures. As Joel Mukalay, an afrocentric architect explains, "Afrocentrism, in the context of architecture, is about correcting the lens about what Africa is defined as. We are usually marginalized, being seen as always the ones who have a history which does not exist, which is purely depending on the colonial history." Joel Mukalay Joel further emphasizes, "If we are to talk about how people define Afrocentrism and what is not Afrocentric architecture, the exact thing which usually misses is the fact that we try to define Afrocentrism just by relating it to what has been designed by our ancestors without understanding that the world has evolved, the world has changed, and there are new realities. We have to adapt to them. So, we try to just reflect what has existed without trying to adapt it to the new realities. We have a history, we definitely do have a certain context of things as well, which we have to use in our design, especially in architecture.” If we talk about the cultural identity through Afrocentric architecture, we should clearly see that it's mainly about preserving and working towards the promotion of the African cultural identity. And how do we do that? Mainly, it's about integrating the traditional symbols, practices, and values into modern designs. For example, the designs of architects like Francis Kéré, who is usually inspired by the actual way of living of the locals and brings a design that is modern but still reflects the culture and the needs of the people. Startup Lions Campus von, Kere Architecture “Technology has changed and gives us more opportunities to actually preserve our own history and make it more contemporary and in a more modern way.” A variety of digital tools are empowering architects to embrace Afrocentric design principles on a larger scale. Tools like Rhino, Grasshopper, and Revit can help design Afrocentric architecture and support complex geometric designs. These tools enable collaboration with other stakeholders, allowing architects from different African countries to work on the same project at the same time. Additionally, technology can support the integration of traditional building techniques and aesthetics, such as the use of renewable materials and optimizing energy efficiency in buildings." Joel Mukalay adds. Cedrix Tsambang, a Sustainable Architect & Green Tech Consultant shared with us his two cents on how Building Information Modeling (BIM) can empower the design and implementation of Afrocentric architecture. “BIM can be a powerful tool for integrating Afrocentric design elements, provided it is used with a clear understanding of the local context.” “BIM, as a digital tool, offers immense potential for Afrocentric architecture by facilitating a deeper exploration and representation of local concepts and materials. However, it's crucial to remember that BIM is one tool among many. Its power lies in how it contextualizes Afrocentric architecture, allowing us to capture the essence of traditional African design principles and adapt them to contemporary contexts. BIM enables the digital exploration of African artefacts and traditional designs, helping us understand how these structures have withstood the test of time. By analyzing these elements digitally, we can extract principles of antifragility—designs that not only resist but thrive in the face of challenges. Cédrix Tsambang Through BIM, we can model and adapt ancient African architectural solutions, ensuring they respect circular economy principles. For instance, reusing and reinterpreting traditional building techniques within modern structures can be optimized through BIM, ensuring these designs are both functional and sustainable. BIM allows for precise modeling of construction techniques using local materials. This is critical for ensuring that the construction phase respects the heritage and sustainability goals of Afrocentric architecture. By simulating the construction process, we can foresee challenges and optimize resource use.” Cedrix Tsambang emphasizes. “BIM allows us to simulate the natural behavior of buildings, such as ventilation patterns that are critical in tropical climates. This enables us to design spaces that are naturally resilient and sustainable.” adds Cedrix. In terms of material use, BIM helps in modeling the incorporation of local materials, ensuring they are used in ways that enhance the building's performance while respecting traditional practices. BIM’s ability to simulate construction processes ensures that local materials are used efficiently, minimizing waste and enhancing the building’s overall sustainability. Cedrix continues to add, “BIM plays a crucial role in ensuring sustainability, particularly in how it allows for the detailed modeling and analysis of Afrocentric design principles.” BIM enables the detailed analysis of a building's environmental performance, ensuring that designs are inherently sustainable and resilient. BIM allows us to model circular economy principles, ensuring that all aspects of the design, from material selection to construction techniques, contribute to the building's sustainability. By using BIM to simulate the construction process, we can optimize the use of resources, reduce waste, and ensure that the building's lifecycle is managed sustainably. “Best practices for using BIM in Afrocentric architecture include contextualizing the tool, ensuring cultural sensitivity, and promoting sustainability.” Cedrix emphasizes. Expand Biyem Assi Hospital, Chorus Architecture “The real value lies in how we use these tools to interpret, represent, and enhance the rich traditions of Afrocentric architecture.” The impact of Afrocentric architecture in communities can be measured through various social and economic benefits. For example, promoting tourism by building modern structures that reflect our history can attract visitors from around the world, educating them about our culture and heritage. Additionally, involving the community in the design process ensures that the architecture meets their needs and fosters a sense of ownership and pride. Afrocentric architecture can also contribute to economic development by creating job opportunities and promoting local craftsmanship and materials. "The future of Afrocentric architecture lies in promoting education and training in the field. We need programs that blend traditional African architectural knowledge with modern technology to cultivate a new wave of designers who can innovate while staying rooted in our cultural heritage. Collaboration between architects, technologists, and other stakeholders is also crucial in advancing Afrocentric architecture. By working together, we can ensure that projects are technically sound, culturally relevant, and socially impactful." says Joel. Cedrix adds, “It's important to remember that while digital tools are powerful, they are facilitators, not creators, of architecture. The real value lies in how we use these tools to interpret, represent, and enhance the rich traditions of Afrocentric architecture. As these tools evolve, they will not only help us preserve these traditions but also inspire new forms that resonate with the cultural and environmental realities of Africa.” Previous Next

Tangier is a major city in northern Morocco with a population of about 1,850,000, and the city is currently undergoing rapid development and modernization. Stroll through the meanders of this beautiful city through this series to discover its colors, its magnificent medina and its port. Tangier-Morocco Tangier is a major city in northern Morocco with a population of about 1,850,000, and the city is currently undergoing rapid development and modernization. Stroll through the meanders of this beautiful city through this series to discover its colors, its magnificent medina and its port.

Résorber l'habitat informel par la restructuration-rénovation urbaine et création de nouvelles zones d’habitation < Back Comment combler le déficit de logement au Cameroun Pondi Paul En 2015, le déficit de logements au Cameroun était estimé à 1,5 million d’unités dont 80 % se trouvaient en zone urbaine et essentiellement dans les deux principales villes du pays. Ce déficit est caractérisé par les nouvelles demandes, mais également par l'habitat précaire comme nous l’explique Pondi Paul président de l'ordre national des urbanistes du Cameroun. Pour lui combler ce déficit par une approche jumelée de Restructuration - Rénovation urbaine et la création de nouvelles zones d’habitation.

< Back Charging Ahead: Africa's Bright Future in Electric Mobility This interview explores the impact of electric mobility in Africa. As the vehicle fleet expands, Ariadne Baskin from TUMI highlights challenges such as charging infrastructure, electricity accessibility, and vehicle costs. Yet, Africa presents significant opportunities for the growth of electric mobility, boosting employment and local production. The transport sector in Africa accounts for approximately 10% of Africa’s greenhouse gas emissions Africa's vehicle fleet is expanding rapidly from about 25 million to 56 million by 2040 and this is largely because of growing urbanization as well as larger household incomes. This puts a strain on both the environment and public health. To tackle these challenges, the adoption of electric mobility has emerged as a potential solution. Electric vehicles (EVs) produce zero emissions enhancing air quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). Moreover, they offer greater efficiency and potential fuel cost savings compared to gasoline-powered vehicles. However, the widespread adoption of EVs in Africa faces several challenges. As Ariadne Baskin, a mobility expert at the Transformative Urban Mobility Initiative (TUMI), elaborates. "The lack of charging infrastructure, the need to scale electricity coverage, affordability and the lack of regulatory measures and favorable incentives are major challenges facing E-Mobility in Africa,” she says. Africa could become a dumping ground for used and damaged internal combustion engines from around the world “It's very pivotal that we start now so that we are able to leapfrog and join the global trend moving towards EVs and not become the world's dumping ground.” The lack of access to electricity is a major obstacle, with only 43% of Africans currently having access to reliable power, according to the World Bank. This limitation makes it challenging to charge EVs in many parts of the continent. Additionally, the high cost of EVs, averaging around $20,000, places them beyond the financial reach of many individuals. Furthermore, the scarcity of charging infrastructure in various African cities impedes EV ownership and operation. “In lots of Sub-Saharan African countries, access to electricity is a major obstacle. Huge populations do not have access to electricity, to carry out daily tasks and so forth so that is an obvious barrier to implementing large-scale charging infrastructure.” Ariadne adds. African cities present significant opportunities for the growth of electric mobility Nonetheless, governments and organizations such as TUMI have recognized this issue and are actively working on expanding the charging network to facilitate the growth of electric mobility. “In Kenya, 90% of its electricity is from renewable sources, such as geothermal or hydropower, and has huge surplus grid capacity,” says Ariadne. "Data plays a role in understanding the status quo and projecting what needs to be done to deploy the most sustainable solution. TUMI has collected large-scale data on usage and charging capacity needs," she adds. Despite these challenges, Africa presents significant opportunities for the growth of electric mobility. The African Development Bank estimates that the electric vehicle market in Africa could reach a value of $100 billion by 2030, creating substantial job opportunities within the manufacturing and service sectors. Moreover, several African startups are actively developing and manufacturing electric vehicles, playing a vital role in making EVs more affordable and accessible to the African population. “Local production and supply chains are key to accelerating the market of electric vehicles on the continent. We already see a large number of private sector players in Africa especially in East Africa looking at Kenya, Roam, and BasiGo. In Uganda you have Kiira Motors producing buses and they're really looking at designing tailored electric vehicles for local needs and conditions,” adds Ariadne. Charging an electric motorbike in Kigali, Rwanda, by IMF Photo/Kim Haughton, January 2023 Electric buses present an opportunity to scale up bus rapid transit systems in African cities TUMI is working with cities in Africa to support this initiative as told by Ariadne, “We're working to deploy with the EU, electric buses on Kenya’s upcoming BRT system. We are working very closely with Roam and BasiGo as well as supporting the city to develop roadmaps on implementation. In Kampala and Durban, we’ve worked with the Kampala City Authority to understand the procurement and operating requirements for E-Buses.” By fostering local manufacturing, Africa can not only meet its mobility needs but also stimulate economic growth and create employment opportunities. She also suggests a focused transition to electric vehicles: "I think Africa should focus on transitioning straight to electric vehicles and putting out the charging infrastructure networks that are conducive to that." By strategically developing charging infrastructure alongside EV adoption, Africa can avoid the intermediate step of hybrid vehicles and leapfrog directly to electric mobility. "In the meantime, there are more hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles in the used vehicle global marketplace. Governments could create subsidized or tax incentives to bring in those vehicles such as in Egypt and Rwanda" Ariadne adds, highlighting the need for regulatory and fiscal measures to accelerate the adoption of electric mobility. Electric two-wheelers, represent a significant opportunity for electrifying the continent According to Ariadne, "Electric two-wheelers are known to be the low-hanging fruit to electric mobility. The easiest way to electrify the continent, and the market has great potential in Africa maybe mimic the upward trend in Asia ." She notes that there are already over 6,000 electric two-wheelers on Africa's roads, and their small batteries allow for off-grid and battery-swapping systems. "The battery swap model is being thought of in many countries, and basically what that is is when, say, an electric two-wheeler depletes its battery, one can replace it with a fully charged battery at a swap station," Ariadne explains, shedding light on an innovative approach to address charging challenges. She also adds that the batteries can be charged by off-grids like solar panels in addition to battery swapping which also creates green jobs. Ariadne further highlights the economic benefits of electric two-wheelers: "Even with the higher upfront cost of an electric two-wheeler, the overall cost is cheaper because of the low cost of fuel and maintenance. So the total cost of ownership is very favorable." Several African countries have already put in place regulatory measures for electric vehicle adoption, such as reduced electricity costs and tax exemptions like Rwanda, Kenya, and Togo. Rwanda, for example, has set an ambitious goal of having 100,000 electric vehicles on the road by 2024. Such policies are instrumental in creating a favorable environment for the widespread adoption of EVs in Africa. "With the right policies and investments, Africa could become a major player in the global electric vehicle market," Ariadne concludes, highlighting the transformative potential of electric mobility in Africa. Her insights and expertise emphasize the importance of seizing the opportunities at hand to build a greener, more sustainable, and prosperous future for the continent. SAFI E Motorcycle Company, Inside the SAFI E-motorbike company which manufactures electric motorbikes and runs an e- rideshare and delivery company in Kigali, Rwanda, by IMF Photo/Kim Haughton, January 2023 Previous Next

< 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 La ventilation naturelle : une arme invisible, mais tellement efficace ! Odyssées d’Architectures (Agathe Belot & Mathieu Jaumain) Cet article met en lumière la puissance de la ventilation naturelle comme solution low-tech pour lutter contre la surchauffe des bâtiments, alternative aux climatiseurs énergivores et mal intégrés. Historiquement utilisée dans les médinas du Moyen-Orient et adaptée par le modernisme tropical africain, cette méthode exploite des ouvertures stratégiques pour favoriser le renouvellement de l’air et évacuer la chaleur. Des projets contemporains, tels que celui en Tanzanie, démontrent également son efficacité en réduisant significativement la présence de moustiques et le coût de construction. La ventilation naturelle, simple à mettre en œuvre, offre ainsi une réponse durable et économique aux défis climatiques. De plus en plus de machines contrôlent la température de nos bâtiments et pourtant certains systèmes low-tech sont redoutables pour lutter contre la surchauffe ! La ventilation naturelle est l’un d’eux et mériterait d’être généralisée. Les climatiseurs sont devenus une réponse trop facile à de mauvaises conceptions architecturales. En plus d’être esthétiquement difficiles à intégrer, ils sont très énergivores. Leur popularité est paradoxale puisqu’il est aujourd’hui aisément possible de s’en passer avec une ventilation naturelle. Cette dernière est utilisée depuis des siècles. Elle remonte à la construction des premières villes du Moyen-Orient et d’Afrique du Nord. Le principe en est relativement simple : sur les faces les moins exposées au soleil se trouvent de larges ouvertures alors que sur celles qui sont les plus exposées, de petites fenêtres sont placées en hauteur. L’air chaud ayant une densité (et donc un poids) plus faible que l’air froid, monte naturellement, s’évacue par la petite ouverture et crée ainsi un courant d’air permanent. Dans la médina de Marrakech il est encore possible de visiter une partie de l’une des premières universités au monde, la Merdersa Ben Youssef, datant du XIIIe siècle, où un bassin d’eau au milieu du grand patio permet de créer un effet venturi et de rafraîchir de quelques degrés la température. C’était le lieu de prédilection des étudiants pour réviser. Les climatiseurs ont envahi les façades de Dakar, Sénégal, 2023 par Odyssées d’Architectures La ventilation naturelle a aussi été au centre d’un mouvement architectural né dans les villes africaines pendant la colonisation : le modernisme tropical. Les colons s’établissant sur le continent voulaient construire des édifices copiant ceux qu’ils connaissaient en Europe avec des styles et des matériaux identiques. Mais les architectes se sont rapidement rendu compte qu’il fallait adapter leurs habitudes constructives pour réaliser des bâtiments confortables dans de telles températures. De 1942 à 1960 Edwin Maxwell Fry et Jane Beverly Drew imaginèrent ainsi de nombreux édifices au Ghana et au Nigéria alliant style moderniste et ventilation naturelle. La plupart de leurs constructions sont encore utilisées actuellement telles qu’elles ont été pensées. Si Francis Kere, vainqueur du Pritzker Prize en 2022, est connu pour ses conceptions low-tech dans des villages reculés d’Afrique, d’autres architectes utilisent aussi la ventilation naturelle. Ainsi, le travail de John McAslan + Partners a permis de diminuer de 3 degrés la température dans les classes de plusieurs villages au nord du Malawi en utilisant des matériaux disponibles localement et avec un design simple pour pouvoir être mis en œuvre facilement par les villageois. On pourrait encore citer le projet de Insitu Architectes au Sénégal qui s’inspire du fonctionnement de la termitière pour ventiler l’église de Nianing, ou encore les projets de Mick Pearce au Zimbabwe comme le Eastgate Center et le Temple Indu de Harare datant des années 1990. Ingvartsen Architects_The Star Home Project_Mtwara, Tanzanie_2022_Photo/ Julien Lanoo Modernisme tropical, Musée national du Ghana, Accra, Edwin Maxwell Fry et Jane Beverly Drew, 1957 En plus de diminuer la température dans les bâtiments, les courants d’air permettent de chasser les moustiques. Alors pourquoi ne pas remplacer nos vitrages par des moustiquaires ? C’est l’idée qu’Ingvartsen Architects a développée pour The Star Homes Project. Dans plus de 50 villages au sud de la Tanzanie, un modèle de maison est répliqué et monitoré pour tester son efficacité à différents emplacements dans une même région. Après bientôt un an, les résultats sont déjà impressionnants. En construisant de manière compacte, mais avec un étage (chose rare dans cette région), la cuisine au rez-de-chaussée et les chambres au-dessus, et en recouvrant plus de la moitié de la façade par des moustiquaires, la diminution du nombre de moustiques est estimée à plus de 80% par rapport aux maisons traditionnelles. Des résultats très encourageants dans la difficile lutte du pays contre la propagation de la malaria. L’ambition d’Ingvartsen Architects est d’ensuite proposer ce modèle au gouvernement en tant que logement social, car en plus, son coût de construction est très faible. Alliée à des protections solaires ou à un petit bassin d’eau ou encore à des matériaux naturellement isolants, comme la terre, la ventilation naturelle est redoutablement efficace et même indispensable pour diminuer la température à l’intérieur des édifices. Outre ses qualités thermiques, elle permet de chasser l’air vicié et de réduire la présence de moustiques en assurant un renouvellement constant de l’air dans les espaces. C’est une stratégie qui peut s’appliquer partout, avec n’importe quel matériau de construction, dans tous types de bâtiments, mais surtout à un très faible coût, en plus d’être facile à mettre en œuvre. Sa seule exigence est d’être considérée en amont de la construction pour qu’elle soit optimale et judicieusement intégrée aux besoins des utilisateurs. Previous Next

Taman Mouhadi, consultante et artiste, souligne l'importance de solutions locales et l'engagement de la jeunesse africaine face aux enjeux climatiques urgents. < Back Innovation et Tradition : La Vision Africaine de Taman Mhoumadi pour le Climat Taman Mhoumadi Taman Mhoumadi, alias Tamaha, artiste polyvalente et consultante en dérèglement climatique, met en lumière la perception erronée que le changement climatique est un sujet exclusivement occidental. Soulignant la vulnérabilité particulière des pays africains aux impacts climatiques, elle cite l'érosion côtière au Sénégal et les perturbations agricoles comme exemples flagrants. Taman insiste sur la nécessité d'une meilleure compréhension et acceptation du dérèglement climatique pour intégrer climat et développement durablement. Malgré les faibles émissions historiques de l'Afrique, elle appelle à l'action face aux projections futures, voyant dans les défis climatiques une opportunité d'innovation et d'emploi, notamment pour la jeunesse. Elle prône l'utilisation de solutions existantes adaptées aux réalités africaines, de l'agriculture ancestrale à la construction durable, tout en soulignant le rôle crucial des artistes dans la communication et l'éducation sur les enjeux climatiques.

< Back Talensi traditional houses in Ghana Talensi traditional houses in Ghana are centered on the design and construction of homesteads, promoting their indigenous cultural identity and demonstrating the value of social ties. The construction process involves men constructing and roofing structures, with women covering them. The Talensi community combines innovation, local knowledge, and resources to create low-cost, sustainable communities. The standardized construction schedule ensures transparency and reliability, promoting sustainability and reusability of traditional materials. The traditional building of Talensi is principally centered on the design and construction of homesteads. The architectural circular form of these traditional buildings, its homogenous layout, choice of construction materials, and process promotes their indigenous cultural identity, stands as an embodiment of the value of social ties, represents a substantial projection of hierarchical relations that make up a family or clan. Talensi is an area in the Upper East region of Ghana in West Africa, culturally and administratively termed Talensis. House Building among Talensi is guided by a solid sense of kinship, characterized by a cooperative effort by the clan to which a person belongs. Tengzug village, Nothern Ghana photo by imb.org Traditionally, the homestead is identified as a Talensi man’s focus, source of interests, prime initiatives, deepest emotional connections, values, shelter, and esteem of life. Talensi’s view on house construction is that men put up structures and roof them while women cover the structures for habitation, but the contribution of women is not counted, though the entire construction process involves members of varied ages, social standing, skills, and genders. The fusion of innovation, local knowledge, and resources promotes low-cost and sustainable communities tailored to their specifications. The traditional houses of the Talensi are circular with flat roofs although in recent years there has been the introduction of rectangular forms. The buildings are constructed with mud. Wall construction usually includes hand-molding kneaded laterite into standard spherical sizes and using the balls to construct the wall layer by layer. Finishing also involves a standardized process of plastering the wall surfaces with a mixture of mud, cow dung, and juice from boiled empty locust bean tree pods. The juice acts as a stabilizer, hardener, and waterproofing. As a standard schedule, traditional Talensi construction normally happens in the dry season between December and April. This period is without rainfall and the entire construction process, from site preparation to wall and floor finishing, is planned in this period. The need to standardize the construction schedule within this period is further strengthened by the fact that most traditional construction participants are farmers and would be engaged in farming in the rainy season. The standardized scheduling in the dry season is transparent and understood by all participants, thereby enhancing the reliability of the commitment of the entire team to planned activities for projects. This tends to stabilize the flow of construction activities within the planned duration. Sustainability through the indigenous building culture of Talensi is environmentally friendly associated with less generation of waste. This fundamentally stems from the recyclability and reusability of traditional materials. Another dimension focuses on the ability of the traditional building materials to merge back into the natural environment when they are not in use. Previous Next