Launched in 2024, this initiative was born from the need to spotlight African women architects whose remarkable contributions often go unnoticed in a male-dominated industry. These visionary designers, urbanists, and academics are transforming landscapes, redefining sustainability, and championing architectural excellence across the continent. From vernacular adaptations to cutting-edge innovations, their work is a testament to resilience, creativity, and cultural heritage.

This year’s list, released on the last day of Women’s Month, 31st March 2025, highlights 50 outstanding African women whose architectural impact spans across cities and rural communities alike. They are preserving historical narratives, pushing the boundaries of design, and fostering inclusive and sustainable urban spaces. Their achievements demonstrate that African women are not only participating in architecture but are actively redefining it.

Below is the curated list, in alphabetical order:

1. Alia Bengana (Algeria)
2. Aziza Chaouni (Morocco)
3. Chinwe Ohajuruka (Nigeria)
4. Dominique Petit-Frère (Ghana)
5. Elsie Owusu OBE (Ghana)
6. Emma Miloyo (Kenya)
7. Ene Agada (Nigeria)
8. Etta Madete Mukuba (Kenya)
9. Fatiya Diene Mazza (Senegal)
10. Fifi Ejindu (Nigeria)
11. Hayatte Abderahim Ndiaye (Chad)
12. Huda Tayob (South Africa)
13. Jeanne Autran-Edorh (Togo)
14. Kate Maree Otten (South Africa)
15. Khensani de Klerk (South Africa)
16. Lesley Lokko (Ghana)
17. Mae-ling Lokko (Ghana)
18. Magda Mostafa (Egypt)
19. Maliam Mdoko (Malawi)
20. Mariam Issoufou Kamara (Niger)
21. May al-Ibrashy (Egypt)
22. Melissa Jeannette Kacoutié (Côte d'Ivoire)
23. Mobolaji Adeniyi (Nigeria)
24. Mpho Matsipa (South Africa)
25. Mugure Njendu (Kenya)
26. Nadia Tromp (South Africa)
27. Nana Biamah-Ofosu (Ghana)
28. Noella Nibakuze (Rwanda)
29. Nzinga Biegueng Mboup (Senegal)
30. Olajumoke Adenowo (Nigeria)
31. Olayinka Dosekun-Adjei (Nigeria)
32. Patti Anahory (Cape Verde)
33. Rahel Shawl (Ethiopia)
34. Rosemary Orthner (Ghana)
35. Salima Naji (Morocco)
36. Samia Henni (Algeria)
37. Sarah Calburn (South Africa)
38. Sarah El Battouty (Egypt)
39. Shahira Fahmy (Egypt)
40. Stella Mutegi (Kenya)
41. Sumayya Vally (South Africa)
42. Tanzeem Razak (South Africa)
43. Tara-Aude Koffi (Côte d'Ivoire)
44. Tatu Gatere (Kenya)
45. Thandi Loewenson (Zimbabwe)
46. Tosin Oshinowo (Nigeria)
47. Tuliza Sindi (South Africa)
48. Valerie Mavoungou Rodriguez (Republic of Congo)
49. Victoria Marwa Heilman (Tanzania)
50. Zineb Ajebbar (Morocco)

As we unveil this year’s list, we celebrate the impact of these women who are shaping the continent’s architectural future. Their contributions extend beyond structures—they are shaping communities, policies, and the future of African design. Africans Column remains committed to amplifying their voices and ensuring that their achievements inspire generations to come.

For the full feature on each architect, visit: https://africanscolumn.com/50-influential-african-women-architects-2025/

About Africans Column
Africans Column is a platform dedicated to projecting, celebrating, and supporting the remarkable contributions of Africans in Art, Architecture, and Design. Through in-depth profiles, interviews, news coverage, and event features, Africans Column ensures that the voices of African artists, architects, and designers are heard and recognized on local and international platforms.

Beyond storytelling, Africans Column actively fosters connections, provides resources, and creates networking opportunities for creatives across the continent. By amplifying their reach and impact, the platform plays a crucial role in shaping narratives around African creativity and innovation, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and representative global creative landscape.