The programme
About She Builds Africa
She Builds Africa is a continental programme of the African Union of Architects Commission for Women. It recognises, publishes and supports the work of women shaping the built environment across Africa.
Why the programme exists
Women remain under-represented in African architectural practice, leadership and publication. She Builds Africa creates a visible, rigorous and continental platform where their design thinking is assessed on merit, published widely and connected to opportunity.
What the programme does
- Runs a periodic pan-African design competition for female students and professionals.
- Publishes a permanent archive of recognised projects and the women behind them.
- Shares briefs, guides and technical resources in English and French.
- Convenes events, webinars and results ceremonies with AUACW and its partners.
Between competition cycles
The platform remains active between cycles. Stories, impact data, the project archive and resources stay online, and anyone can register interest to be notified first when the next call opens.
Chain of authority
The competition is an initiative of the AUA Commission for Women, operating under the institutional umbrella of the African Union of Architects.
- 01
AUA
Africa Union of Architects
The continental federation of national architecture bodies across Africa.
- 02
AUACW
Africa Union of Architects Commission for Women
Advocacy, research, mentorship and visibility for women in African architecture.
- 03
2026
She Builds Africa 2026 — Pan-African Women Design Competition
The public competition, entry process and permanent continental archive.