2A AFRICA ARCHITECTURE AWARDS
Theme: Innovative Contextual Architecture Across Continents
Organized by: 2A Magazine
Introduction:
The 11th edition of the 2A Africa Architecture Awards as a part of 2A Continental Architectural Awards continues its mission to recognize and celebrate outstanding achievements in architecture, interior design, and urban design across the continent of Africa.
With the theme of “Innovative Contextual Architecture,” the Awards focus on honoring projects and professionals who have creatively addressed the contemporary challenges of architecture within the cultural, social, and environmental contexts of their regions.
The 2A Africa Architecture Awards’ event highlights global design excellence through:
- Prestigious awards
- Engaging exhibitions
- In-depth debates and discussions on architectural methods and cultural influences
- It brings together architects, urban designers, scholars, and industry leaders to explore diverse perspectives, emerging trends, and innovative design strategies shaped by local identity and global insight.
Vision:
Africa—the oldest landmass on Earth and the cradle of humanity—bears a deep and complex history, marked by both triumph and adversity. While narratives often portray Africa as a continent in constant need of external aid, this perspective overlooks its enduring strength, resilience, and profound cultural richness. Like a river carving its path through solid rock, Africa continues to persevere—resisting external exploitation, overcoming immense challenges, and remaining steadfastly connected to its roots.
Architecture, as a tangible reflection of a society’s history and values, is no exception. African architecture is a testament to the continent’s deep cultural identity, resourcefulness, and intrinsic relationship with nature. Its architectural diversity—from the monumental legacies of ancient Egypt and Ethiopia to the grounded, nature-integrated structures of southern Africa—showcases a profound capacity for contextual design and ecological harmony.
Many architectural theorists regard Africa as a pioneer in contextual and eco-conscious design, both historically and in contemporary practice. While imported architectural styles and materials have influenced African cities during various periods, a renewed emphasis is now placed on re-centering African identity in architecture. This involves integrating local traditions, materials, and environmental awareness to create structures that are both modern and deeply rooted in place.
A core strategy embraced by many African architects today is the use of locally sourced, “home-grown” materials. This approach not only reduces the environmental impact of construction but also fosters a sense of community and cultural pride.
Approaches of 2A Africa Architecture Awards 2025- 2026:
Architects and urban designers across Africa are increasingly responding to the evolving social, cultural, environmental, and technological challenges of their regions with adaptive, innovative, and contextually rich approaches.
Award’s Criteria:
The 2A Africa Architecture Awards 2025- 2026 as a part of 2A Continental Architectural Awards (2ACAA) recognize excellence in both built and future architectural projects that demonstrate a significant contribution to humanity and the built environment.
The evaluation is based on the following key criteria:
- Design Achievement: Conceptual strength, design strategy, and execution
- Contextual Relevance: Interpretation of historical, geographical, and cultural context
- Technical Innovation: Use of materials, structural systems, and engineering solutions
- Sense of Place: Connection to cultural identity, ecological harmony, and sustainability
- Social Responsibility: Community engagement and urban integration
- Economic Considerations: Responsiveness to local economic conditions
- Architectural Depth: Symbolic, philosophical, or transcendental impact
Categories:
“Completed Projects”
- Commercial: Retail, office, production, and business facilities
- Public Projects: Education, healthcare, hospitality, sports, leisure, and mixed-use buildings
- Residential: Individual and collective housing
- Urban & Rural Design: Public spaces, streetscapes, rural developments, and landscapes
- Old & New: Restoration, regeneration, renovation, and adaptive reuse
- Civic, Religious, & Transport Projects: Places of worship, civic centers, transportation hubs, and community buildings
- Interior Architecture
“Future Projects / Innovative Designs”
- This category celebrates unbuilt projects and conceptual works, including entries from design competitions.
- Projects must:
- Be located within the eligible continent of Africa
- Address architectural challenges (ecological, cultural, technological, etc.)
- Demonstrate regional insight and research
- Presents a unique or forward-thinking design approach
Eligibility & Submission Guidelines:
Open to architects, designers, planners, landscape architects, studios, and interdisciplinary teams
Clients, developers, or contractors may submit entries on behalf of architects with consent
Built projects must be completed on or after January 1, 2014
Future projects must be designed no earlier than 2012
Submission Format (Stage One):
Three A2-size PDF panels per project (Max 16MB each)
Should include images, drawings, diagrams, and project description
Stage One submission is free
Entry & Judging Process:
Open Registration: August 1st– September 15th, 2025
Candidate Selection Notification: Within 48 hours of submission via email
Official Announcement of Selected Projects: September 28, 2025, on the 2A website
Judging Format: One-stage entry, two-stage evaluation
Final Judging & Online Showcase: February 2026 (including video presentation of candidate projects)
Free Event Pass: Granted to all shortlisted participants
Fees (Upon Selection as Candidate’s Project):
1 Project: €89
2 Projects: €150
3 Projects: €220
Awards & Recognition:
Gold and Silver Medals awarded to the top two projects in each category
Award Trophies for first-place winners
Certificates of Recognition for Special Mentions (as determined by the jury)
Featured Publication: Winning projects will be published in a special edition of 2A Magazine
Organizer Services:
Professional printing of candidate project panels for jury review
Display of winning projects in the awards Exhibition
Complimentary passes to the 2A Awards Ceremony & ArchTalk Forum
Opportunity to speak at 2A ArchTalk (upon jury selection)
Honorary Membership in the UNESCO Club of Architecture and Art for top winners
Video Publication of winners’ professional insights across social platforms
Register Now:
Showcase your work on a global stage and join a distinguished community of architects shaping the future of design.
📧 For assistance with submission: info@2art.center