Senegal: Annie Jouga

Born in 1953 in Dakar, Senegal, Annie Jouga is the first Senegalese woman to register with the Order of Architects of Senegal (1979). She moved from Senegal to Paris, France, to pursue an education from the L’École nationale supérieure d’architecture de Paris la Villette (1972), where she received a diploma in architecture (1978). After graduation, she returned to Dakar, Senegal, where she gained professional experience working for private practices, public organizations, and UN organizations. Jouga co-founded the architectural firm J&T Architectes, located in Dakar, Senegal, with Mamadou Jean-Charles Tall (2000). She also co-founded the Collège Universitaire d’Architecture de Dakar (CUAD, 2008) where she educated students and the general public about the importance of the built environment and heritage through various programming, exhibitions, and publications.

With other African designers, Jouga co-organized the first two editions of the Dakar Design Biennial (1996–1998). Her work has been featured in various exhibitions including the Saint-Étienne Design Biennale, sponsored by Afrique en Créations (1998), and Africa Days, organized by the World Bank Group in Washington, D.C. (1998). She served as the Deputy Mayor of Gorée (2002–2022), as a board member for the Small Islands Organization (SMILO), and as the Councilor of Dakar (2014–2022) in the role of President of the Urban Mobility and Infrastructure Commission. Jouga has published the book Matam, construction en terre, patrimoine intemporel (CUAD, 2019), and her forthcoming book focuses on the identity of Dakar (December 2025).