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< 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

Yaoundé, Cameroon's political capital is one of the two most important cities in the country and is experiencing rapid population growth and spatial expansion. With a population estimated at more than 3.5 million inhabitants, the city has a metropolitan dynamic reinforced by its status as a political capital. This series resorts the energy of Yaoundé, as well as its spatial configuration between modern and precarious housing. Yaoundé-Cameroon Yaoundé, Cameroon's political capital is one of the two most important cities in the country and is experiencing rapid population growth and spatial expansion. With a population estimated at more than 3.5 million inhabitants, the city has a metropolitan dynamic reinforced by its status as a political capital. This series resorts the energy of Yaoundé, as well as its spatial configuration between modern and precarious housing.

Obala is a city located in the Centre Region of Cameroon, positioned near the capital, Yaoundé. It serves primarily as a local administrative and trade center, vital for its surrounding agricultural communities. Known for its fertile lands, Obala supports the cultivation of various crops, contributing significantly to the regional economy. The city is characterized by a mix of traditional Cameroonian cultures and languages, reflecting the diverse ethnic composition of the area. While not a major tourist destination, Obala offers a genuine glimpse into the daily lives and practices of its inhabitants, with local markets and community events that showcase the rich cultural heritage of Cameroon. Obala-Cameroon Obala is a city located in the Centre Region of Cameroon, positioned near the capital, Yaoundé. It serves primarily as a local administrative and trade center, vital for its surrounding agricultural communities. Known for its fertile lands, Obala supports the cultivation of various crops, contributing significantly to the regional economy. The city is characterized by a mix of traditional Cameroonian cultures and languages, reflecting the diverse ethnic composition of the area. While not a major tourist destination, Obala offers a genuine glimpse into the daily lives and practices of its inhabitants, with local markets and community events that showcase the rich cultural heritage of Cameroon.

< 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

< Back Combler la fracture numérique et autonomiser les jeunes au Niger Au cœur du Niger, une révolution numérique est en cours. Digital Niger, une organisation à but non lucratif, est en première ligne de ce mouvement, offrant aux jeunes les compétences nécessaires pour prospérer à l'ère du numérique. À travers ses programmes de formation innovants et ses partenariats, Digital Niger comble la fracture numérique et favorise l'émergence d'une nouvelle génération de jeunes compétents en technologie. Digital Niger est une communauté de plus de 25 volontaires aux parcours divers (communication, électronique, logistique, comptabilité), mais animés par la même passion : la « Technologie ». « Nos principaux objectifs sont vraiment de réduire la fracture numérique et de promouvoir l'inclusion technologique parmi les jeunes. » Digital Niger est une association à but non lucratif officiellement créée le 17 janvier 2023, bien que ses activités aient commencé bien avant cette date. Issaka Maman Lourwana, le fondateur, explique : « Nous organisons de nombreuses formations numériques. Nous couvrons également l’alphabétisation numérique, la cybersécurité et la formation aux outils digitaux. De manière générale, c’est pour les jeunes mais aussi pour les personnes plus âgées qui souhaitent aujourd'hui se reconvertir vers des carrières dans le numérique ou la technologie, si je puis dire. Parmi nos objectifs, nous souhaitons créer un centre de formation numérique accrédité, offrant divers programmes de formation dans la sous-région et, pourquoi pas, à travers toute l'Afrique, pour contribuer à former des leaders en transformation digitale. Digital Niger propose un large éventail de programmes de formation adaptés à différents groupes d’âge et besoins. Pour les jeunes de 8 à 15 ans, les programmes se concentrent sur la fabrication numérique et la familiarisation avec les ordinateurs. Ils apprennent ce qu'est un ordinateur, comment il fonctionne et les bases de son utilisation. Pour les jeunes de 15 à 35 ans, la formation comprend le codage et la programmation (Python, JavaScript, HTML), la robotique, l'intelligence artificielle, le design thinking, la cybersécurité, ainsi que des programmes spécifiques pour encourager les jeunes filles à se lancer dans le domaine de la technologie. Ces programmes visent à préparer les jeunes aux carrières dans la technologie numérique en leur fournissant des compétences pratiques et recherchées. Digital Niger organise des activités pour rassembler la communauté Tech, telles que Tech Tea, le Niger Digital Day avec l'UNICEF et l'ANSI, Iftar Tech, LinkedIn Local Niamey, etc. « Une femme de 23 ans a pu obtenir son premier ordinateur grâce à une formation qu'elle a suivie chez Digital Niger. Cela a marqué un tournant dans sa vie professionnelle, démontrant l'impact tangible de nos programmes. » La sélection des participants aux programmes de Digital Niger varie selon les tranches d’âge. Pour les jeunes de 8 à 15 ans, Digital Niger collabore directement avec les écoles publiques et privées pour proposer ses programmes. Par exemple, ils ont travaillé avec l’école privée Allianz pour introduire leurs formations. Pour les jeunes de 15 à 35 ans, la promotion des programmes de formation se fait principalement via les réseaux sociaux (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram). Certains programmes sont gratuits, tandis que d'autres sont payants pour financer les activités de l’association. Les formations à la carte permettent à ceux qui souhaitent se spécialiser, comme dans Power BI, de contacter Digital Niger pour une formation spécifique. Digital Niger utilise diverses méthodes pour mesurer l'impact de ses programmes de formation. Avant chaque formation, des critères et des indicateurs de performance (KPIs) sont définis. Après la formation, un sondage de satisfaction à 30 jours est réalisé pour évaluer le niveau des compétences acquises et la satisfaction des participants. Les résultats montrent un taux de satisfaction global de 83 %. « Digital Niger surmonte les défis technologiques grâce à des partenariats stratégiques, en faisant progresser la formation en IA, les plateformes d'e-learning et le soutien à l'entrepreneuriat pour les jeunes. » Digital Niger fait face à plusieurs défis communs aux initiatives en Afrique, notamment en termes d'infrastructures technologiques. Le manque d'espaces adéquatement équipés avec des machines et des équipements informatiques représente un obstacle majeur, tout comme la difficulté d'accès à des connexions Internet stables et abordables. En outre, les coupures de courant fréquentes perturbent les programmes de formation. Pour pallier ces problèmes, Digital Niger a stratégiquement programmé ses sessions de formation en fonction des coupures de courant et cherche activement des partenariats pour améliorer à la fois l'infrastructure technologique et l'accès à Internet. Les partenariats stratégiques jouent un rôle crucial dans le renforcement des programmes de Digital Niger. Avec des membres qui sont des acteurs clés de l’écosystème numérique nigérien, l’organisation facilite les collaborations avec des startups locales, des institutions gouvernementales et des organismes internationaux comme les Nations Unies. Un programme de mentorat initie les jeunes de 12 à 20 ans au monde professionnel, tandis que des partenariats avec des entreprises offrent des stages et des opportunités d'immersion, apportant ainsi une expérience pratique et un développement de carrière pour les jeunes. Pour l’avenir, Digital Niger a plusieurs projets ambitieux en cours. Un hub technologique sera lancé pour soutenir les jeunes entrepreneurs à travers les phases de pré-incubation, incubation et accélération de leurs projets numériques. De plus, un centre de formation en intelligence artificielle proposera des cours de 12 à 18 mois pour développer l’expertise en IA. Une plateforme d'e-learning est également en développement, avec pour objectif de produire du contenu local et de collaborer avec des plateformes internationales comme Coursera pour élargir les opportunités éducatives. « L'Afrique est le continent le plus jeune au monde. Avec la technologie numérique qui est transversale à tous les domaines, j'encourage tous les jeunes à se former au numérique. Nous devons être résilients et trouver des solutions pour développer notre continent. » Les témoignages des jeunes formés par Digital Niger mettent en lumière l'impact positif des programmes. Par exemple, une étudiante au Maroc a pu terminer son cursus grâce à un stage obtenu par le biais de Digital Niger. Un autre témoignage marquant est celui d'une jeune femme qui a acquis son premier ordinateur grâce à un programme de formation, illustrant l'importance des compétences numériques pour l'autonomisation et l'employabilité des jeunes. Digital Niger joue un rôle essentiel dans la réduction de la fracture numérique et la promotion de l'inclusion technologique au Niger. Malgré les défis, l’organisation continue de former des jeunes, de collaborer avec des partenaires stratégiques et de planifier des projets ambitieux pour l'avenir. Comme le souligne Issaka : avec des initiatives comme Digital Niger et le soutien d’organisations comme le Africa Innovation Network, l'Afrique progresse vers un avenir numérique prometteur, ouvrant de nouvelles opportunités pour sa jeunesse et transformant ses villes en pôles technologiques dynamiques. Previous Next

< Back In Cape Town, South Africa, road and pedestrian safety remains a critical urban challenge Rashiq Fataar In Cape Town, South Africa, road and pedestrian safety remains a critical urban challenge. Nearly half of the city’s road traffic fatalities involve pedestrians; more than double the global average. To challenge road policy and promote safer streets, Our Future Cities, in collaboration with property developer Blok and artist Al Luke, introduced a public artwork at a pedestrian crossing in Sea Point. While easy to install, the intervention unveiled the tensions between conventional road regulations and creative, tactical approaches aimed at improving pedestrian experience. Initially the project faced legal and political resistance, with concerns that the artwork might distract drivers, outweighing its potential to highlight pedestrian safety. Despite initial concerns, in 2023, the artwork, entitled "Recollection," was painted directly on Sea Point Main Road by Al Luke of the creative duo Mrs. and Mr. Luke. The vibrant, colourful artwork - with bold lines and abstract shapes - draws attention to the pedestrian crossing and adds joy to space. Post-installation surveys showed strong public support: 90% endorsed the project, 83% said it raised safety awareness, and 83% felt safer using the crossing. What began as a symbolic gesture, in a legal “grey area”, has since sparked a ripple effect across Cape Town. These projects show a shift in city policy and public attitudes, highlighting a growing openness to creative, pedestrian-focused street design. Once seen as possibly illegal, the Sea Point crossing is now a catalyst for rethinking how South African cities design for equity, mobility, and joy. "Despite the dire state of pedestrian safety in South Africa, across many parts of the country walkability remains extremely poor, and pedestrians are consistently treated as an afterthought in urban design and transport planning" View looking down on Main Road in Seapoint, Cape Town, South Africa. December, 2023, Matthew Giffiths In 2023, a colourful public artwork was installed at a pedestrian crossing on Sea Point Main Road. Sea Point is a high-density urban neighbourhood and one of Cape Town’s most walkable precincts. However, even in this relatively walkable area, pedestrian safety is an issue. The artistic enhancement of the pedestrian crossing on Sea Point Main Road was aimed at drawing attention to the issue of pedestrian safety in Cape Town, and more broadly, South Africa. The issue is of particular importance as nearly half of all road traffic fatalities in the City of Cape Town involve pedestrians; this is more than double that of the global average. Despite the dire state of pedestrian safety in South Africa, across many parts of the country walkability remains extremely poor, and pedestrians are consistently treated as an afterthought in urban design and transport planning. The unconventional road safety intervention, installed by artist Luke Al, was well suited to Sea Point, as the suburb is one of Cape Town’s most densely populated areas. Despite high levels of pedestrian activity, the road design and regulations in Sea Point continue to prioritise vehicle flow over human safety and comfort. Stakeholders and everyday users of space include: - Children who travel long distances via public transport to attend schools in the area. - Elderly residents who run errands and access essential services. - Tourists and visitors, some of whom might be unfamiliar with local traffic dynamics. - Retail and office workers, who often rely on public transport and complete their journeys on foot. - Local businesses and property owners, who have an interest in making public space more inviting and accessible. This mix of permanent and transient users creates a dynamic urban space with a pressing need for safe, legible, and inclusive pedestrian infrastructure. However, stringent and outdated traffic laws, such as the National Road Traffic Act, often obstruct any attempt at creative, people-centred interventions in road space. The Road Traffic Act in particular restricts markings, signs, and installations on roads that might distract drivers, be confusing, or compromise safety. Well-meaning traffic engineers and public servants are also incredibly risk averse and tend to shy away from unconventional interventions. Without drastic action and with very limited room for innovation pedestrian deaths and injuries remain high while efforts at fostering safer urban environments are hindered. The Sea Point pedestrian crossing embodies the tension between car-centric “First World” regulations and the realities of a Global South urban context, where infrastructure often lags behind social needs. Cape Town, like many rapidly urbanizing cities, faces the challenge of adapting formal rules and design principles to better serve its people. In this context, the Sea Point pedestrian crossing not only responded to an urgent need for improved pedestrian safety but also challenged the prevailing mindset in which various levels of government, business, and civil society respond to the challenges facing South Africa. Additionally, by showing that roads can be spaces for creative expression, safe places for pedestrians, and form part of the key social infrastructure in a neighbourhood, the Sea Point pedestrian crossing implicitly argues for flexible, humane, and responsive urban environments. "What made the Sea Point Pedestrian Crossing project unique was not only its creative response to the problem of pedestrian marginalisation, but also the strategic way it was implemented" View of pedestrian crossing in Seapoint after being painted. December, 2023, Matthew Giffiths The successful implementation of this project involved the commitment of an unusual coalition of public, private, and civic actors willing to challenge the norms of urban infrastructure in Cape Town, and South Africa. For at least the decade before 2023 (when the Sea Point crossing was installed) introducing art or colour near crossings was deemed both impossible and illegal by various city officials. However, with a new Mayor in 2021, came new possibilities. An ambitious local property developer, together with Our Future Cities, leveraged the change in leadership to collaborate with the Transport Department, the Roads and Stormwater Department, and the local Ward Councillor. Additional assistance was provided by the Mayor’s office to help navigate the bureaucratic resistance historically associated with any non-standard street interventions. The fact that the funding was provided by a private property developer with a vested interest in the area’s vibrancy and safety, and that the intervention came at no cost to the City, also helped make the project a reality. Despite initial resistance from the City’s Public Art and Safety divisions, the project’s proponents successfully made the case that creativity and safety are not mutually exclusive, but complementary. Crucially, the process wasn’t just top-down. Community members were surveyed both before and after the project’s installation, and a participatory approach ensured that the design was informed by local users’ needs and observations. The strategy focused on visibility and behaviour change, using vibrant street murals to draw attention to a high-risk crossing, and reframing pedestrian zones as spaces deserving of care and creative thought. The results from the Sea Point crossing have been significant and measurable. A post installation survey showed: 90% of respondents supported the project and its location, 83% felt the crossing raised awareness about pedestrian safety, 83% reported feeling more secure using the intersection, 89% believed similar crossings should be introduced citywide, 74% had previously observed safety hazards at the site, 64% still felt additional safety measures (like better lighting or signal timing) were needed. “These installations function more like public art than traditional road markings” An aerial view of one of the redesigned pedestrian crossings in Century City by Art·hub Visual Marketing These figures demonstrate not only improved perceptions of safety and usability but also a shift in public expectations about what is possible in the design of city streets. Another powerful outcome has been the project’s role as a catalyst. Its success inspired a wave of similar interventions across Cape Town, including installations in De Waterkant and Claremont, and private sector-led projects in Century City. Similar installations across the City indicated that creative street design is gaining legitimacy both institutionally and culturally. A standout example is the set of artistic pedestrian crossings installed in Century City, a major commercial and mixed-use district. While Century City has long cultivated a strong public art culture, through its murals and curated art trail, the crossings marked a new integration of functional infrastructure and creative expression. Inspired by global trends and projects like the Sea Point mural, the developers opted to place these installations on existing raised pedestrian humps in high-footfall areas, such as the transport interchange, where pedestrian presence was already expected and driving speeds were naturally lower. Unlike Sea Point, where regulatory hurdles were steep, the Century City crossings were developer-led and on private roads, allowing for greater design freedom. “These installations function more like public art than traditional road markings,” Natalie Du Preez, a representative of Century City explained. Public reception has been overwhelmingly positive. The installations quickly became the most liked and shared content on Century City’s social media platforms, and concerns about safety were minimal, with only one or two people raising mild concerns. Crucially, none of the crossings were placed on arterial roads, and locations were selected specifically because they already promoted cautious driving. This model reflects a different but complementary approach to the intervention in Sea Point. While the latter challenged municipal bureaucracy by embedding pedestrian advocacy in civic space, Century City leveraged private development capacity and a placemaking ethos to integrate art into already walkable zones. Together, these projects reveal a growing openness to creative pedestrian infrastructure, each shaped by its specific governance and spatial context. The Sea Point crossing, the first of its kind in Cape Town, played a pioneering role in shifting this mindset. Skeptics who once argued that colour or art near roads would "distract drivers" or pose safety risks began to reconsider their positions. The project helped reframe such designs from superficial decoration to tools for public communication, safety, and placemaking. Crucially, it then inspired other stakeholders across the city to follow suit. However, while the artwork enhanced visibility and sparked dialogue, physical elements like long signal waits, wide crossings, and lack of pedestrian islands still compromise safety, highlighting once more that interventions such as the Sea Point crossing must be part of a larger urban strategy. “The Sea Point Pedestrian Crossing project presents a blueprint for reimagining how African cities can approach pedestrian safety, public space, and urban infrastructure” By transforming a high-risk crossing into a bold visual statement, the project shifted perceptions of pedestrian safety and creative street design processes in the city. The project also bridged the often disconnected worlds of public art and transport planning, revealing that creative interventions can serve serious public purposes. For other urban actors across Africa, the lessons are clear. First, highly visual, public facing projects in prominent locations can generate pride, draw attention to under addressed urban issues, and lay the groundwork for more ambitious reforms. Second, building coalitions between government departments, councillors, artists, funders, and residents is essential in cities where regulatory inertia is strong. Third, small pilot interventions can become powerful tools for data gathering, community engagement, and collective action. The project also raises questions for future urban practice: How can cities embed pedestrian and community needs into formal infrastructure planning? What mechanisms are necessary to protect and expand creative public space? How do we ensure that public assets are designed with human dignity and safety at the centre? As African cities continue to urbanise, the Sea Point crossing challenges outdated planning norms and invites cities to treat streets as spaces for joy, advocacy, and visibility. Its message is clear: roads are public assets, and how we design them reflects who we value in our cities. The Our Future Cities team, Blok, and artist Al Luke posing at the painted crossing. December, 2023, Matthew Giffiths Get the full African Cities Magazine 6 Download the full article here rashiq-article-african_cities_magazine_6_english-20250826 .pdf Download PDF • 4.88MB Previous Next

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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxZNNaDowN0

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.

Saint Louis, often referred to as Ndar in Wolof, is one of Senegal's most historically significant cities, located in the northwest part of the country near the mouth of the Senegal River. Founded in 1659 by French colonialists, it was the first French settlement in Africa and served as the capital of French West Africa before Dakar. Renowned for its distinctive colonial architecture and vibrant cultural scene, Saint Louis is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city is famous for its annual Jazz Festival, attracting music enthusiasts globally. Its economy primarily revolves around fishing, tourism, and education, with a rich cultural heritage deeply embedded in its society. Saint Louis Saint Louis, often referred to as Ndar in Wolof, is one of Senegal's most historically significant cities, located in the northwest part of the country near the mouth of the Senegal River. Founded in 1659 by French colonialists, it was the first French settlement in Africa and served as the capital of French West Africa before Dakar. Renowned for its distinctive colonial architecture and vibrant cultural scene, Saint Louis is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city is famous for its annual Jazz Festival, attracting music enthusiasts globally. Its economy primarily revolves around fishing, tourism, and education, with a rich cultural heritage deeply embedded in its society.

< Back Les jardins de Ben M'sik : construits par la communauté, pour la communauté Tarik Zoubdi Ben M'sik, un projet de logements sociaux à Casablanca, vise à améliorer les conditions de vie de 240 familles du bidonville "Douar Khalifa" dans le cadre du programme "Villes sans bidonvilles". Le projet, inspiré par l'histoire et le patrimoine du Maroc, présente une faible profondeur, une double orientation et des vues dégagées sur un grand parc. Le projet est partiellement autofinancé, avec 47 % financé par le "Fonds de solidarité habitat et intégration urbaine" et 38 % par les futurs résidents. En 2003, les attentats de Casablanca ont fait 41 morts. Les terroristes étaient tous originaires du bidonville de Sidi Moumen. Manifestement, ces quartiers manquent des moyens les plus élémentaires. Ce sont souvent des terrains fertiles pour ce type de tragédie (criminalité, chômage, extrémisme, ...). Par conséquent, l'accès à un logement décent, à une éducation de qualité et à des services publics adéquats est une solution viable pour restaurer un minimum de "justice sociale". C'est dans cet esprit et dans le cadre du programme "Villes sans bidonvilles" que les logements sociaux construits à Ben M'sik ont été créés pour améliorer les conditions de vie de 240 familles du bidonville "Douar Khalifa" situé à proximité du site du projet. De plus, contrairement à plusieurs autres projets de logements, la proximité de celui-ci avec l'emplacement du bidonville concerné a évité le déracinement des habitants de leur environnement habituel, sans perturber considérablement leur quotidien. Vue globale-2022-Alessio Mei Photographie Le projet bénéficie d'un emplacement privilégié au milieu de plusieurs équipements et services locaux, notamment une mosquée, un centre de santé, un centre de jeunesse (en construction), un centre social, un complexe sportif local, un centre de formation professionnelle et plusieurs autres écoles. Tarik Zoubdi né le 22 février 1982, est un architecte marocain, diplômé de l'École nationale d'architecture en 2006, et titulaire d’un « Master of resilient, sustainable, and smart building and cities » de l'Université Mohammed VI Polytechnique en 2020. Son atelier d’architecture TZA a été fondé en 2008. En 2018, il remporte avec Mounir Benchekroun le Prix du jury et celui du public aux Architizer A+Awards dans la catégorie « Primary and High school »1 à New York2, et le Prix du meilleur bâtiment éducatif et culturel aux « Arab Architects Awards » à Beyrouth3. Depuis 2019, il est enseignant à l’École d’architecture de l’Université internationale de Rabat. La faible profondeur des bâtiments permet à 83 % des appartements de bénéficier d'une double orientation garantissant une abondante lumière naturelle et une ventilation transversale très efficace. De plus, la morphologie serpentine du complexe permet des vues dégagées sur le grand parc adjacent. Le vocabulaire architectural du projet s'inspire de l'histoire et du patrimoine du Maroc, de la beauté de sa lumière et de ses paysages naturels. Les formes, les couleurs et les textures permettent aux bâtiments de s'ancrer fortement dans leur contexte géographique et culturel, tout comme les maisons du quartier avec leurs teintes variées d'ocre. Ce respect exprimé envers l'identité locale permet une intégration du projet dans son environnement, facilitant son adoption par les futurs résidents et leurs voisins. Pour l'aspect bioclimatique, la ventilation naturelle transversale des appartements à double orientation rafraîchit les intérieurs. De plus, les jardins extérieurs inspirés des "Ryads" marocains seront couverts de végétation dense qui adoucit l'atmosphère en été, et laisse passer les rayons du soleil en hiver, grâce à la prédominance des arbres à feuilles caduques. Les passages sous les sabats stimulent la ventilation naturelle de ces "patios ouverts", évitant ainsi le phénomène d'îlot de chaleur. Prévus sur des terrains publics, le projet a coûté l'équivalent de seulement 230 euros le mètre carré, malgré l'installation d'ascenseurs dans tous les 18 bâtiments. L'ensemble de l'opération a été partiellement autofinancé jusqu'à environ 47 % ; grâce à la vente de la surface commerciale, 15 % du budget ont été fournis par le "Fonds de solidarité habitat et intégration urbaine (FSHIU)", et seulement 38 % seront fournis par les futurs résidents, principalement par le biais d'un crédit à long terme garanti par l'État à travers son fonds Damane Assakan. Previous Next

< Back Digitizing Aguda/Afro Brazilian architecture heritage of Porto-Novo Benin through LIDAR scanning & social participation H. Killion Mokwete This study explores the use of LIDAR scanning and community engagement in the digital documentation of Aguda/Afro Brazilian architecture in Benin, as a vital component of the preservation of historically significant structures that face imminent demolition. Researchers from Northeastern University are working together on the project with local research partners from The African Heritage School-EPA in Porto-Novo. A small but significant digital database is developing as a result of several field studies, oral interviews, and digital scanning processes. This digital database is an essential component of a proof of concept pilot project that aims to create region-wide digital documentation and will involve collaborating with students and other local researchers to identify, catalog, and conserve Africa’s local building heritage. This pilot project is envisaged as a test case for potential expansion to other cultural regions with similar heritage buildings such as Togo, Nigeria, Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire where local partnerships are being developed. Digital tools and social participation are key to preserving postcolonial architectural heritage in Benin According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the African continent has some 98 designated World Heritage Sites (cultural) and more than half of these can be found in 35 Sub-Saharan African countries. However, many of these sites in Africa (a total number of 93, in 2018) are placed on the List of World Heritage in danger due to threats from extractive processes (mineral and oil exploration), armed conflict, acts of terrorism, climate change, poaching, and uncontrolled rural and urban expansions. Grande Mosque, Porto-Novo, Benin, by odysseesdarchitectures Most heritage buildings in Sub-Saharan Africa can be organized in three categories: pre-colonization (traditional), colonial and post-colonial. These eras provide a base socio economic and historical context which marks events and activities that shaped the urban morphology, geo-social landscape of much of the Africa continent and that of the global South. Traditional era of Sub-Saharan African building heritage can be defined as the period during which feudal African tribes and regions self-ruled and built varying vernacular structures dictated by socio economic status and means of production for each cultural region. The Colonial era in Africa can be defined as the period between the first colonization of an Africa Kingdom by the Dutch in the 16th Century when they colonized parts of the cultural regions of the modern day Ghana (Gold Coast). The colonization period saw the partitioning of African cultural regions into territorial boundaries defined by colonizers interests and colonial structures. The introduced colonial building typologies and urban morphology of urban centers included religions such as churches & cathedrals, trading centers, castles etc. The Post-Colonial era can be defined as the period after decolonization and independence of Sub-Saharan African countries. During this period, independence governmental buildings and other structures were built to signify new beginnings and future aspirations. The Great Mosque of Djenne, Part of Africa’s remaining building heritage that is a UNESCO Protected heritage site photo by zibaloo In this essay, we use culturally-significant sites in the West African nation of Benin as a case study to examine the ways in which digital tools, digital archiving platforms and local social participation may be leveraged to preserve cultural heritage building sites in African postcolonial societies. The focus is on the on the architectural heritage (between traditional and colonial) of the Aguda people and investigate the new ways of leveraging technology towards building heritage preservation, education and local empowerment through social participation. The Aguda of the Bight of Benin is a community composed the descendants of the Portuguese traders who settled in the region in the 1700s; the descendants of the Brazilian traders who came soon after; and the descendants of the retornados, i.e., former slaves who settled in this area upon their return from Brazil. The retornados, researchers put their numbers at anywhere from 3,000 to 8,000 were originally from a vast sub-region of western Africa, but upon their return, they settled mainly on the coast between Lagos, Nigeria and Anehó, Togo. Afro-Brazilian architecture in Porto-Novo reflects Aguda influence, yet faces neglect, limited preservation efforts, and climate threats. The Aguda’s influence in Benin’s urban morphology is best found in the City of Porto-Novo, where new typology of building style based on villa & manor designs of Brazil was mixed in with local vernacular to create a style popularly known as the Afro-Brazilian architecture style. This style is exemplified by building on generally two floors, with regular shapes, large verandahs on both sides of buildings with arcades, bays decorated with rich roman-like lintels and usually wooden shutters. The Afro-Brazilians returnees constituted artisans, cabinet makers, bricklayer’s/master builders, tailors, traders, carpenters and other trade skills. In 1897 in Lagos, there were 96 males registered with 6 cabinet makers, 11 bricklayers and builders, builders and master builders, 9 tailors and 21 carpenters, 24 traders and 17 clerks. 23 percent of the Afro-Brazilian populations were carpenters. Carpentry and bricklaying remain the main occupation of some of the Brazilian returnees. Afro- Brazilian houses are in a state of disrepair and suffer from neglect. The necessity for conservation and the salience of cultural heritage is mainly advocated by architects with limited resources towards rehabilitation and preservation. Typical private residence Afro-Brazilian (Sobrados) features two storey dwelling with clay ornate facades, decorated windows, balconies & doors with clay molding, breezeways (open source) Although some steps are being taken to protect heritage sites, Heritage protection in Porto-Novo, with a great successful example of the rehabilitation of the Vodoun sites across Porto-Novo by The Ouadada Cultural Centre) there is still not sufficient resources to undertake a comprehensive rehabilitation of all sites. The lack of resources organizations and advocacy towards building heritage also presents a diminishing role of local community in participating in defining their heritage assets and therefore loss of continuity across generation’s institutional memory. Furthermore, limited legal frameworks such laws towards heritage preservation for pre-development impact assessments make it easy for developers to prefer demolishing without any prior assessments. Benin, like most Sub-Saharan African countries, lacks accessible digitized databases and archive institutions with more African heritage archives being held in foreign institutions such as European, American and Australian universities and museums. The current work being undertaken by the (École du Patrimoine Africain (African Heritage School) lacks scaling opportunities and funding partnerships. Climate change impacts such as higher temperatures, worsening floods, threaten to condemn some African landmarks. There is no comprehensive data on the total number of African heritage spots at risk, but research co-led by Simpson on coastal sites found that 56 locations are already facing flooding and erosion exacerbated by rising sea levels. In Benin, the Aguda architecture buildings due to the material nature are quickly deteriorating due to heavy rains and flooding amongst others. A collaborative digital platform will preserve Benin’s architectural heritage by combining technology, local knowledge, and global partnerships The project’s conceptual framework for this research is centered on what is described by The Framework Convention on the Value of Cultural Heritage for Society (Council of Europe 2005) as ‘Heritage Community’ defined as “cultural heritage is a group of resources inherited from the past which people identify, independently of ownership, as a reflection and expression of their constantly evolving values, beliefs, knowledge and traditions. It includes all the aspects of the environment resulting from the interaction between people and places through time” . This new way of looking at heritage lays the foundations for redesigning relations between all the involved stakeholders. The proposed model for this project centers a partnership between researchers (local and international) and local community knowledge custodians through a social participation framework and leveraging technological tools towards documentation and curating of local building heritage physical and non physical cultural memory. By building on this collaborative platform framework, this research will leverage the following technologies and approaches: Modern 3D capture through LiDAR scanning and photogrammetry technology will be used to document the existing condition of heritage buildings and to create digital blueprints, enabling planners to prioritize preservation activities and furthering opportunities for future building renovations and reuse. Through centering community participation and storytelling, this research will activate community members’ role in celebrating unique cultural heritage embedded in their local built environment and defining and curating personalized building heritage narratives. Leica’s BLK360 Tripod LIDAR Scanner, BLK2FLY drone scanner, Infrared Temperature visualization, Onset Data loggers (Temperature & Humidity)Leica’s BLK360 Tripod LIDAR Scanner, BLK2FLY drone scanner, Infrared Temperature visualization, Onset Data loggers (Temperature & Humidity) By creating a locally hosted and searchable database of heritage buildings, this research will start the first-ever platform for an architectural heritage archive serving Benin and other sub-Saharan African countries. Creating three-dimensional digital models will enable community-based education and academic research opportunities focused on vernacular building methods, offering opportunities for virtual experiential connection, with focused outreach to the global African diaspora community seeking to connect and learn about African heritage. This innovative and interactive platform will be made accessible to local university partners (École du Patrimoine Africain (African Heritage School), who in turn will benefit from new opportunities for technical and socio-cultural teaching and research. The proposed platform will be based on a collaborative model, developed in partnership with local communities who are custodians of culturally significant architectural artifacts. Models, historical records, and local narratives about heritage sites can be shared with diverse local community members, leveraging local press, libraries, and municipal archives. There is a critical need for coordination and technical support from Northeastern University, where researchers and students will serve as partners with community-based organizations, bringing innovative tools for creating a multimedia digital archive, technical expertise, and cross-regional coordination to create and maintain the platform and to carry out ongoing research on traditional building practices and the cultural, historical, and technological significance of diverse architectural resources. A digital platform will document and preserve endangered heritage sites in Porto-Novo, Benin, using multimedia tools and local engagement The proposed digital platform will document heritage sites across sub-Saharan Africa using multimedia tools such as computer-aided drawings (CAD), photographic documentation, written narratives, audio storytelling, hand drawings, models, and other media. It will engage local communities by building their capacity to collect, preserve, and assess the social value of their built environment, fostering sustained participation in preservation activities. Additionally, the platform will serve as an educational resource, providing access to archival data on cultural heritage sites for researchers, educators, community planners, and citizens both locally and internationally. A proposal for a pilot project acting as a proof of concept for the broader research will be based in Benin, in the City of Porto-Novo in Benin and will analyze and document the cultural heritage building which is endangered through urbanization, neglect, climate change and other socio economic threats. Collaborating team: Dr. Franck Komlan Ogou, Dr. Jessica Parr,Dr. Patricia Davis, Bahare Sonaie-Movahed Previous Next

"Unlock urban potential in Africa! Africa Innovation Network focuses on creating sustainable, resilient African cities & innovative solutions for a better urban future." #AfricanCities A FRICA I NNOVATION N ETWORK: SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS FOR AFRICA AND THE WORLD WHO WE ARE We are 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. WHAT WE DO Through our network of experts in urban planning, architecture, engineering, transport and mobility, geographic information systems, design, etc., we accompany cities and territories in the creation of more inclusive and sustainable living environments. OUR APPROACH Our approach is human-centered and based on frugal innovations. We are developing simple, participative ideas and solutions to make our cities and our rural areas a better place for all . OUR MISSION Help through our initiatives to build a better future for all and make sure that no one is left behind in our cities.