Lesley Lokko: Shaping the Future of Architecture from the African Diaspora
How does one define true creativity? Is it born from necessity? And, when we think of the future, where do we look for inspiration? If you’re like many in the African diaspora—entrepreneurs, creatives, and visionaries—you might be wondering if the traditional structures of the “global North” are the only places where groundbreaking ideas can emerge. Well, Lesley Lokko, Ghanaian Scottish architect, academic, and curator of this Venice Architecture Biennale, believes that the time to rethink these assumptions is now.
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In Lesley Lokko hands, the future of architecture isn’t just about buildings; it’s about reshaping identities, histories, and imaginations. This isn’t just about architecture; this is about the very heart of creativity.
The following excerpt is from the introduction by Lesley Lokko as Curator of the 18th International Architecture Exhibition: “It is often said that culture is the sum total of the stories we tell ourselves, about ourselves. Whilst it is true, what is missing in the statement is any acknowledgement of who the ‘we’ in question is.
In architecture particularly, the dominant voice has historically been a singular, exclusive voice, whose reach and power ignores huge swathes of humanity — financially, creatively, conceptually — as though we have been listening and speaking in one tongue only.”
Lokko’s role as curator of the 2023 Venice Architecture Biennale marks a historic shift in how we view architectural creativity, culture, and the African diaspora’s contributions to the global stage.
She not just curated an exhibition—she is curated a new era in architectural discourse that calls for recognition of Africa’s unique and creative power. You, as a creative entrepreneur, should be paying attention.
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In a world that often overlooks or undervalues African and diaspora perspectives, Lokko’s work demands that we confront longstanding prejudices. This is about legacy-building—making your mark in a way that challenges the status quo, builds new bridges, and leaves a profound impact on future generations.
The Pioneering Vision of Lesley Lokko
In 2023, the Venice Architecture Biennale, one of the world’s most prestigious architecture exhibitions, made a groundbreaking shift. For the first time in its 40-year history, Africa and its diaspora took center stage, with Lesley Lokko serving as curator. A distinguished architect and writer, Lokko became one of the first curators of African descent to lead the Biennale, following in the footsteps of Nigerian curator Okwui Enwezor, who made history as the first African-born curator to helm the event in 2015.
Next in line is Koyo Kouoh, a Cameroonian-born curator who has been appointed as the curator for the 2026 edition. Kouoh, born in 1967, has served as the Executive Director and Chief Curator of the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa in Cape Town since 2019.
Lesley Lokko vision is not just a milestone for the event but for the larger global conversation about creativity, architecture, and identity. By bringing Africa into the conversation about the future of architecture, Lokko has shifted the lens through which we view design, innovation, and cultural narrative.
For too long, architecture has been perceived as the domain of Western countries—the global North. But in a powerful statement at the Biennale, Lokko underscored an undeniable truth: creativity and innovation do not belong to any one region, culture, or race.
They emerge from necessity, from the unique contexts and challenges that people face in diverse parts of the world. For Africa, these challenges often include the need to find sustainable, resourceful, and culturally relevant solutions to issues like climate change, rapid urbanization, and economic inequality.
Lokko’s curation of the Biennale is an invitation for the world to recognize and celebrate Africa’s creative potential. She has curated exhibits that show how African architects and designers have long been pushing boundaries, taking traditional practices, and weaving them into modern solutions.
The work of architects like Diébédo Francis Kéré, a Pritzker Prize-winning architect from Burkina Faso, demonstrates how African solutions can respond to the world’s most pressing issues.
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Kéré’s Lycée Schorge Secondary School in Koudougou, Burkina Faso, for instance, uses local materials and techniques to create a sustainable educational space, all while maintaining a deep cultural connection to the community.
Such projects illustrate how African architecture is shaping the future, and they remind us that innovation often arises from the most unexpected places.
Reclaiming African Narratives in Architecture
The overarching theme of 2023 year’s Biennale, The Laboratory of the Future, is a powerful call to action for creatives worldwide. It asks one simple but profound question: What does it mean to be a meaningful agent of change in the 21st century?
For many African and diaspora creatives, the answer lies in embracing new models of creativity that are deeply rooted in the unique social, economic, and political realities of their communities.
Lokko’s exhibition seeks to move beyond the traditional narrative of Africa as a continent defined solely by poverty, conflict, and underdevelopment. It showcases the ingenuity, resilience, and visionary work of African architects and designers who are not just surviving but thriving.
This reshaped narrative is not only critical for the African community but for the global community at large. It serves as a reminder that creativity is not the privilege of the few but the birthright of all cultures.
When we look at the African diaspora, the impact of creativity cannot be overstated. According to the African Development Bank (2020), Africa’s creative economy—spanning everything from fashion to film, music, and architecture—is a multibillion-dollar industry with immense growth potential.
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Yet, for decades, the full scope of this influence has been largely overlooked by mainstream industries and platforms. Lokko’s work aims to correct that oversight, challenging global institutions to rethink their assumptions about where true innovation and creativity reside.
This call for inclusivity and acknowledgment resonates deeply with African diaspora entrepreneurs and creatives who are striving to make their own impact. If you are part of the diaspora, you’re already familiar with the challenges of navigating systems that often don’t recognize the value of your unique perspective and experience.
Lokko’s leadership at the Biennale serves as a powerful reminder that your creativity, born from a mix of cultural richness and lived experiences, is a potent force for change.
Locating Innovation in Africa’s Diaspora
One of the most fascinating aspects of Lokko’s curation is her focus on the intersection of Africa’s diaspora and its creative future. The Biennale showcases work from several emerging African architects and designers, such as Mariam Issoufou Kamara, a talented architect based in Niger, and Christian Benimana, a Rwandan architect working with the renowned MASS Design Group.
These individuals represent a new generation of architects who are using their work to address urgent societal issues, from housing crises to environmental sustainability, while also celebrating their African roots.
The importance of highlighting these figures cannot be overstated. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), nearly 3.5 million people are moving into African cities every week, making urbanization one of the most pressing challenges on the continent.
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At the same time, rapid climate change is exacerbating issues related to housing, displacement, and migration. As these challenges escalate, architects and designers like those showcased at the Biennale are proving that African creativity offers crucial insights and solutions.
For African diaspora entrepreneurs, especially those in creative industries, this moment offers an invaluable opportunity. As a creative entrepreneur, you’re at the intersection of multiple worlds—drawing inspiration from your heritage, experiences, and the global marketplace.
The next generation of African creatives is being urged to embrace this hybridity, pushing boundaries and shaping new cultural and business landscapes. Lokko’s Biennale is a call for you to reconsider the potential of your own work and its ability to challenge, inspire, and innovate on a global scale.
The Business of Creativity and Legacy Building
Perhaps the most important takeaway from Lokko’s work is the idea of creating lasting impact and leaving behind a legacy. For African diaspora creatives and entrepreneurs, the notion of legacy-building is not just about making a profit or establishing a brand—it’s about contributing to a broader narrative that will inspire future generations.
By focusing on sustainable, innovative, and culturally rooted practices, you can ensure that your work remains relevant in a rapidly changing world. This philosophy aligns with the broader growth of Africa’s creative economy.
According to a 2021 report by PwC, the African film, television, and music industries alone are expected to generate nearly $20 billion in revenues by 2025. However, these industries can’t thrive unless they continue to be rooted in authentic, culturally significant creativity.
Your role as an entrepreneur, whether in architecture, fashion, music, or technology, is to recognize the power of your cultural identity as a tool for global change.
The African Futures Institute, which Lokko founded in Accra, embodies this forward-thinking vision. It not only provides architectural education and research but also serves as a platform for African creatives to collaborate, innovate, and influence global trends.
For diaspora entrepreneurs, this model is a powerful example of how creativity and community-building can go hand in hand. You are part of a larger movement that is shaping the future, both for Africa and for the world.
Conclusion: The Urgency of Change and Innovation
Lesley Lokko’s work at the Venice Architecture Biennale serves as a clear call for the African diaspora to embrace its role as a leader in shaping the future. As the first curator of African descent at the Biennale, Lokko has successfully showcased the untapped potential of African architects and designers, offering a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusivity in creative and cultural industries.
Through your work, you too can become an architect—not just of buildings, but of new possibilities, new legacies, and new futures. The world is waiting for what you’ll create next.
Learn How to Leverage Your Story through our Story To Asset Transformation (S.A.T) Framework.
