AUACW Design Competition 2026She Builds Africa

About the AUACW

Shaping the Future of African Architecture

The African Union of Architects Commission for Women (AUACW) is the premier continental body dedicated to championing, empowering, and elevating women in the built environment. As an integral arm of the African Union of Architects (AUA), we serve as a unified voice for women architects across Africa, driving structural change, fostering professional excellence, and breaking barriers across our diverse nations.

Our Mission

To foster an inclusive, equitable, and thriving architectural landscape across Africa by expanding leadership opportunities, strengthening continental collaboration, and dismantling systemic barriers for women in the profession.

Our Vision

An African built environment where women architects lead with impact, inspire future generations, and design a sustainable, culturally rich, and inclusive future for the continent.

Core Pillars & Strategic Focus

  • Advocacy & Equity: Championing gender-inclusive policies, equal pay, and fair representation within professional institutes and practices across Africa.
  • Leadership & Mentorship: Cultivating the next generation of female design leaders through structured mentorship pipelines, peer networks, and executive coaching.
  • Data & Research: Leading data-driven initiatives—such as our landmark African Women in Architecture Survey—to identify systemic gaps, map career progression, and inform global industry standards.
  • Continental Collaboration: Uniting regional architectural bodies to share knowledge, celebrate regional design excellence, and create a cross-border community of practice.

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.

  1. 01

    AUA

    Africa Union of Architects

    The continental federation of national architecture bodies across Africa.

  2. 02

    AUACW

    Africa Union of Architects Commission for Women

    Advocacy, research, mentorship and visibility for women in African architecture.

  3. 03

    2026

    She Builds Africa 2026 — Pan-African Women Design Competition

    The public competition, entry process and permanent continental archive.