From Pretoria with Purpose: Shaping Africa’s Landscape Future

As we round up September 2025, I can’t help but feel a mix of excitement and reflection. We’re just a few days away from gathering in Pretoria for the ILASA/IFLA Africa Conference, where we’ll be taking on the big theme: Reframing the African Landscape. This feels like more than just another conference—it’s a moment to chart a new course for landscape architects across the continent.

This month is also a turning point for IFLA Africa’s leadership. After years of dedicated service, Graham Young steps down as President. It’s been an absolute honour to work closely with him; his commitment to growing and advancing the profession has been inspiring, and I’m grateful that we’ll continue to benefit from his wisdom in his new role as ex-officio. At the same time, I’m genuinely excited to welcome Ruth Wanjiku as our new President—her vision and energy will no doubt take us into the next chapter with fresh momentum.

As we continue these conversations on reframing our African landscapes, my message is simple: let’s take ownership of our narratives and lead these dialogues ourselves. We know the richness of our landscapes, the complexities of our cities, and the wisdom embedded in our cultural and ecological heritage. It’s time to put those front and centre.

I look forward to seeing many of you in Pretoria, and to the conversations, debates, and new ideas that will shape the future of landscape architecture in Africa. Here’s to reframing, reimagining, and leading from where we stand.