Africa Columns celebrates the achievements of women architects across Africa with its curated list of the 50 most influential African women architects. These architects, whose works span continents, cultures and contexts, are shaping the continent’s architectural landscape with their visionary work. From bustling urban centers to remote rural landscapes, their contributions are reshaping the skyline, redefining the boundaries of design and leaving an indelible mark on the built environment.
Representing a spectrum of nations and cultures, each architect brings a unique perspective and experience to the forefront of architectural discourse. From Algeria to Tanzania, these architects come from diverse backgrounds, bringing a wealth of experiences and perspectives that enrich the architectural landscape of Africa and beyond.
More than a simple recognition of individual achievements, this list highlights the rich diversity of talent among African architects. It is a testament to their expertise and a powerful reminder that the future of African architecture is bright, filled with the potential these women embody.
Meet some of the important African female architects below:
Olajumoke Adenowo, Nigeria
Olajumoke Olufunmilola Adenowo, born October 16, 1968, is a Nigerian architect known for her pioneering work in the field. In 1994, at the age of 25, she founded her own architecture and interior design firm, AD Consulting, which has since been involved in more than 114 projects spanning institutional buildings, office complexes, residential spaces and more. Adenowo’s design philosophy, ‘NeoHeritage Architecture’, emphasizes contemporary African architecture with global impact, incorporating elements of environmental sustainability and community engagement. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her contributions to the field, earning titles such as ‘Africa’s Starchitect’ by CNN and lauded as ‘the face of Architecture in Nigeria’ by The Guardian. Adenowo’s commitment to leadership, philanthropy and women’s empowerment is evident through her various initiatives, including the establishment of the Awesome Treasures Foundation in 1999. She has received numerous awards and accolades for her outstanding achievements, including recognition from the United States Congress and Forbes. Adenowo’s influence extends beyond her architectural practice as she is also an author, public speaker and advocate for social change.
Magda Mostafa, Egypt
Magda Mustafa is an architect, Director of StudioTM and Professor of Design at the American University in Cairo (AUC). With a focus on autism-inclusive design, she is internationally known for her pioneering work in developing the ASPECTSS™ design guidelines, the world’s first autism research framework. These guidelines have been instrumental in informing architectural projects on five continents and have won Mostafa prestigious awards, including the UIA International Research Award in 2014, with a rare second prize in 2023. Her expertise extends to collaborations with global practices such as Mimar , Ab Rogers , and JSA/MIXdesign, where she serves as Autism Design Lead. Mostafa’s impressive contributions have been presented at prestigious events such as the Venice Architecture Biennale in 2021 and 2023. In addition, she co-chairs the UNESCO-UIA education committee, shaping architectural education policies worldwide. Through her research and teaching, Mostafa continues to push the boundaries of inclusive architecture by addressing the challenges faced by marginalized communities, including those living in informal settlements.
Danièle Diwouta-Kotto, Cameroon
Danièle Diwouta-Kotto is a designer and architect from Cameroon known for her contribution to African design, architecture and urban development. Born in Cameroon and trained in France, she founded her firm Passerelle Sud in 1986 and later founded AGG Cabinet d’Architecture Diwouta. A pioneer in her field, Diwouta-Kotto’s work often reflects her commitment to preserving architectural heritage and promoting sustainable urban transformations. In particular, he wrote the publication “Suites architecturales: Kinshasa, Douala, Dakar” in 2010, shedding light on the evolution of African colonial buildings. Her notable projects include the creation of Kiosque à eau in the Bessengue neighborhood of Douala, commissioned by doual’art, and the Mobilier Planeur furniture series, which highlights the fusion of her contemporary creativity with local socio-cultural environments. Diwouta-Kotto’s visionary approach emphasizes the importance of art in shaping cities and promoting inclusivity, earning her recognition as a leading figure in Cameroon’s architectural landscape.
Miminat Shodeinde, Nigeria
Miminat Shodeinde is a British Nigerian architect, artist and designer who founded Miminat Designs, a London-based interior architecture and design studio renowned for creating functional art and serene, sophisticated spaces. Combining artistic expression with architectural precision, Miminat seamlessly merges the ordinary with the extraordinary, creating timeless environments where art and functionality harmonize. Her studio specializes in luxury residential, commercial, hospitality, retail and yacht projects around the world, imbuing each with a unique character and atmosphere. Meticulously crafted by a team of skilled artisans, Miminat’s sculptural design pieces push the boundaries of design while honoring traditional manufacturing techniques. Renowned for excellence, Miminat Designs has won prestigious accolades including a place in The House & Garden Top 100 Designers (2023), The Elle Décor A-List (2023), Frederick Magazine IT List (2023) and AD Middle East Top 100 (2023), highlighting its commitment to refinement, craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail.
Ilze Wolff, South Africa
Ilze Wolff is a South African architect based in Cape Town and co-founder and partner of Wolff Architects. With a deep commitment to the development of architectural consistency, Ilze brings an interdisciplinary approach to her practice. Alongside her role at Wolff Architects, she is also co-founder of Open House Architecture, a research-focused effort dedicated to documenting South African architecture. Holding a B.Arch from the University of Cape Town and an MA in Heritage and Public Culture, Ilze’s academic background enriches her architectural vision, allowing her to explore intersections between heritage, architectural history and public culture. Her work has been exhibited internationally at prestigious venues such as the Venice Architecture Biennale and the Chicago Architecture Biennale, reflecting her dedication to uncovering narratives within the built environment. Through her diverse pursuits, Ilze exemplifies the myriad paths to architectural practice and scholarship.
Chinwe Ohajuruka, Nigeria
Chinwe Ohajuruka is a green architect and social entrepreneur, originally from Nigeria, making significant strides in sustainable housing solutions in her country and internationally. With a Masters in Architecture from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, he founded Comprehensive Design Services (CDS) in 2005, driven by a deep commitment to addressing Nigeria’s housing crisis with environmentally friendly solutions. Through CDS, Ohajuruka applies innovative techniques such as Bio-Climatic Design and Earthbag Technology, emphasizing locally sourced materials and renewable energy systems. Her accolades include being named the Sub-Saharan Africa prize for the Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards in 2015 and receiving grants from institutions such as National Geographic and the Chenving Foundation. Ohajuruka’s tireless advocacy for sustainable development has earned her international recognition, cementing her position as a leading figure in green architecture and social entrepreneurship.
Lesley Lokko, Ghana
Lesley Lokko OBE is a Ghanaian-Scottish architect, academic and novelist with a profound impact on the global architectural landscape. She is the Founder and Director of the African Futures Institute (AFI) in Accra, Ghana, an independent graduate school of architecture and public events platform. After completing her education at École nationale supérieure d’architecture de Paris-Belleville and ETH Zürich, Lokko embarked on a multifaceted career that included teaching, writing and architectural practice. In particular, he founded the Graduate School of Architecture (GSA) at the University of Johannesburg, a pioneering institution dedicated to postgraduate architectural education in Africa. Her commitment to architectural education has won her recognition, including the RIBA Annie Spink Award for Excellence in Architectural Education in 2020 and the Ada Louise Huxtable Award for Contribution to Architecture in 2021. In January 2024, Lokko was awarded the prestigious Royal Me Gold Institute of British Architects (RIBA), becoming the first African woman and the second black architect to receive this honor since its foundation in 1848. Her visionary leadership, progressive approach to education and advocacy for equality and inclusion have left an indelible mark on the architectural profession, inspiring future generations to embrace different perspectives and design for a better world. In addition, Lokko was appointed curator of the 18th Venice Architecture Biennale in 2021, where she presented the exhibition entitled “The Laboratory of the Future”. This groundbreaking exhibition focused on decolonization and decarbonization, offering a glimpse into future architectural practices that prioritize environmental sustainability and cultural diversity, further strengthening Lokko’s influence on global architectural discourse.
Emma Miloyo, Kenya
Emma Miloyo is a distinguished Kenyan architect and co-founder and director of Design Source, an architecture and interior design firm based in Kenya. In 2017, she made history by becoming the first woman to serve as President of the Architectural Association of Kenya. Her remarkable achievements have earned her recognition, notably as one of Kenya’s “Top 40 Women Under 40” by Business Daily Africa in both 2011 and 2018. Emma is very passionate about empowering young women to follow career in architecture and actively contributes to educational initiatives, serving as director of the Kyoto School. Graduating with top honors from the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology in 2006, Emma remains committed to preserving Kenya’s rich architectural heritage. Through her groundbreaking work and tireless advocacy, she continues to break down barriers and inspire more women to thrive in the field of architecture.