Across Africa, a remarkable wave of female-identifying innovators is transforming the continent’s creative and technological landscapes. From architecture to XR, sound design, and music, these women are expanding what’s possible, reimagining spaces, and crafting narratives that celebrate Africa’s rich diversity. Their work is not just innovative, it’s reshaping the way African stories are told and experienced.
Sumayya Vally: Reimagining architecture and identity
South African architect Sumayya Vally, founder of Counterspace, is transforming how we think about architecture and cultural identity. Her designs explore the intersections of African and Islamic heritage, creating spaces that tell stories beyond walls. Her 2021 Serpentine Pavilion in London blended multicultural narratives, inviting community participation and reflection.
Vally’s influence extends globally: as Artistic Director of the inaugural Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah, she reimagined the Hajj Terminal to celebrate centuries of Islamic creativity. Recognised as a TIME100 Next honouree and Dezeen’s Emerging Architect of the Year, Vally is shaping not just buildings, but the very discourse of architectural practice and education.
Toyin Ojih Odutola: Crafting narratives through portraiture
Nigerian-born artist Toyin Ojih Odutola uses pen and ink to explore gender, culture, and societal structures. Her portraits often feature strong, ambitious women, depicted with a striking, almost superhuman presence, which challenges traditional depictions and invites deeper engagement with identity.
Exhibitions like Tell Me A Story, I Don’t Care If It’s True confront colonialist narratives, offering new ways to envision African identity. Ojih Odutola’s work doesn’t just portray Africa, it insists on seeing it through its own lens, unfiltered and unapologetically powerful.
Judith Okonkwo: Pioneering XR innovation in Africa
Through Imisi 3D, Nigerian technologist Judith Okonkwo is building Africa’s extended reality (XR) ecosystem. Her work uses VR and immersive storytelling to preserve African culture and amplify its narratives digitally.
Okonkwo is fostering a new generation of creators, proving that XR isn’t just a tech trend, it’s a tool for cultural preservation, education, and creative expression rooted in African heritage.
Linda Dinah: Elevating sound design in East Africa
Ugandan filmmaker Linda Dinah is making waves in the technical side of filmmaking. Her award-winning sound design has earned her the Best Female Sound Designer title at Kenya’s Women in Film Awards. Dinah’s work highlights how women are breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated technical fields across Africa’s film and media industries.
Tems: Championing women in African music
Nigerian singer Tems is amplifying women’s voices in African music through her Leading Vibe Initiative. By providing mentorship, workshops, and skill-building opportunities, she’s tackling systemic sexism in the industry. Alongside organisations like Audio Girl Africa, Tems is nurturing a supportive environment where female artists can thrive and be celebrated for their talent and impact.
