Award presentation to winners of the AUA Students’ competition
AIA SSA Welcomes New Leadership and Country Representatives
January 2025 – The AIA Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) Section has kicked off the year with notable leadership updates. Andre Christensen (Country Representative, Namibia) has been appointed as the new Vice President of AIA SSA, with his nomination and new country representatives officially confirmed by the AIA International Board. This reinforces the institute’s commitment to strong and inclusive leadership across Africa.
New Country Representatives:
Florence Nyole – Kenya
Manilius Garber – Sierra Leone
Gbenga Oshineye – Nigeria (replacing outgoing CR Olanrewaju Olusola)
With an expanded representation across African countries, AIA SSA is poised to enhance its impact. Additional country representatives are expected to join in the coming months.
These leadership changes were formalized at the Inaugural Board Meeting on January 28, 2025, where key discussions shaped the strategic direction for the year ahead.
AIA SSA Forms Strategic Partnership with CPDI Africa
February 2025 – AIA SSA is proud to announce a new strategic partnership with The Community Planning & Design Initiative Africa (CPDI Africa), an organization dedicated to advancing Afrocentric architectural languages that are both culturally and environmentally sustainable. Operating from Atlanta, Georgia, and Abuja, Nigeria, CPDI Africa promotes architectural innovation through:
International Afrocentric architecture competitions
Curated exhibitions of winning designs
Online courses via its Global Studio
A sustainable materials research hub at the African University of Science and Technology (a Mandela Institute) in Abuja, Nigeria
This collaboration will provide AIA SSA members with access to educational webinars, architectural excursions, and design competitions, amongst other oportunities. Over the past decade, CPDI Africa has successfully led these initiatives and looks forward to partnering with AIA SSA to further drive architectural progress.
AIA SSA Participates in the African Renaissance Seminar
February 2025 – AIA SSA was honored to participate in the African Renaissance Seminar, a prestigious event co-hosted by the Africa Union of Architects (AUA) and the Rwanda Institute of Architects (RIA). Held in Kigali, Rwanda, the two-day seminar addressed key issues in urbanization and sustainable development across Africa under the theme:
"Urban Regeneration and Informal Settlement Upgrading: The Contribution of African Architects – Analyzing Kigali’s Experience"
Day 1: Interactive Sessions and Panel Discussions
Discussions focused on urbanization’s impact in Rwanda and Africa at large. A panel featuring key industry leaders included:
Arc. Olanrewaju Olusola – President, AIA Sub-Saharan Africa
Mr. Nelson Mandera – Manager, Housing & Infrastructure, BRD (Rwanda Development Bank)- instrumental in the country’s affordable housing initiatives.
Arc. Victor Ombima – Licensed Architect, RIA
Topics covered sustainable urban planning, financial models for affordable housing, and strategies for addressing informal settlements.
Day 2: Recognition and Awards Ceremony
The second day celebrated excellence in architecture and urban development, recognizing architects, policymakers, and industry leaders for their contributions to the built environment. Young architects were encouraged to play an active role in shaping African cities of the future.
This successful seminar fostered critical conversations and strengthened collaboration between architects, urban planners, and policymakers.
Looking Forward
As AIA SSA advances through 2025, the organization remains dedicated to:
Expanding country representation across Africa
Strengthening strategic partnerships for architectural innovation
Encouraging sustainable and culturally relevant design practices
Advocating for urban development policies that enhance African communities
We encourage all members to stay engaged and participate in upcoming events, initiatives, and collaborations. Together, we can build a resilient and inspiring architectural future for Africa!
For more updates, stay connected with AIA SSA here, and on Linkedin and Instagram.
Ahmad Naibi, mnia Int'l Assoc. AIA
AIA Sub-Saharan Africa Secretary
