From the Editor's Desk
As we reflect on the recently concluded ILASA/IFLA Africa Conference in Pretoria, there’s a deep sense of gratitude and excitement that lingers. The gathering was more than an exchange of ideas, it was a celebration of connection, collaboration, and the shared vision shaping the future of African landscapes.
The Conference also marked an exciting milestone, the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between IFLA Africa and the Urban Design Institute of South Africa (UDISA). This partnership is a significant step toward deeper collaboration, knowledge exchange, and joint advocacy between our professions. With shared interests in shaping sustainable, inclusive, and culturally grounded urban environments, we look forward to what this partnership will grow into.
Looking ahead, we are thrilled to announce that the 10th issue of the African Journal of Landscape Architecture (AJLA) themed “Reframing the African Landscape” will be published on 4 November 2025. This milestone issue will feature a collection of thought-provoking papers and projects that continue to push the boundaries of our profession and reflect the diversity of voices across the continent.
As we close another chapter in our journey, we extend heartfelt gratitude to all who attended the conference, both in person and online. Your participation, insight, and enthusiasm keep our network alive and evolving. Let us carry this spirit forward, deepening collaborations, supporting our students and young professionals, and working together to redefine what it means to design and steward Africa’s landscapes.
Tobiloba Akibo
from the President's Desk
Updates
A Legacy of African Landscapes
We are excited to announce the release of A Legacy of African Landscapes: Reflections from the African Journal of Landscape Architecture, edited by Bernard Oberholzer and Graham A. Young.
This important publication brings together extracts from the African Journal of Landscape Architecture (AJLA), offering a rich collection of perspectives and projects from across the continent. The volume highlights the diverse ways in which landscape architecture is practiced in Africa—illuminating regional nuances, cultural contexts, environmental challenges, and innovative design approaches shaping the discipline today.
As Gareth Doherty, Associate Professor at Harvard Graduate School of Design, notes:
“The editors … have done a tremendous service to the field by providing a platform for writing about African landscapes and making texts openly accessible as a resource for designing, teaching and learning about African landscapes.”
• Post-Conference Rate: R350.00 (US$25.00)
This is an essential addition to every landscape architect’s library and a valuable resource for anyone passionate about Africa’s landscapes and the future of the profession.
