https://en.sputniknews.africa/20261012/beyond-colonial-walls-rediscovering-africas-architectural-heritage-1089895911.html
Beyond Colonial Walls: Rediscovering Africa’s Architectural Heritage
Beyond Colonial Walls: Rediscovering Africa’s Architectural Heritage
Sputnik Africa
Colonialism’s influence on Africa extends beyond political institutions to the buildings and urban landscapes that shape everyday life. As the continent... 12.10.2026, Sputnik Africa
2026-10-12T15:00+0200
2026-10-12T15:00+0200
2026-10-12T15:00+0200
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Beyond Colonial Walls: Rediscovering Africa’s Architectural Heritage
Sputnik Africa
Colonialism’s influence on Africa extends beyond political institutions to the buildings and urban landscapes that shape everyday life. As the continent modernizes, questions remain about how African societies can preserve their architectural heritage while developing cities that reflect their cultures, identities, and contemporary needs.
Colonial-era buildings and Western-inspired designs remain prominent across many African cities, raising concerns about the marginalization of indigenous architectural traditions and the affordability of modern housing.Global South Pole spoke with Associate Professor Mustapha Bala Ruma of the Department of English and French at Umaru Musa Yar’adua University in Katsina, Nigeria, to discuss colonialism’s impact on African architecture and the importance of reclaiming indigenous design traditions.Ruma argued that colonialism introduced Western-inspired architectural styles and construction methods that relied on expensive materials, making them inaccessible to many local communities. He said these changes affected not only housing affordability but also how Africans perceived their traditional built environment, with colonial influences remaining visible in cities across the continent.To listen to the whole discussion, tune in to the Global South Pole podcast, brought to you by Sputnik Africa.In addition to the website, you can also catch our episodes on Telegram.► You can also listen to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Deezer, Castbox, Pocket Casts, Afripods, Podcast Addict, Overcast, and Mave Stream.► Check out all the episodes of Global South Pole
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podcasts, africa, nigeria, colonialism, neocolonialism, british colonialism, engineering, infrastructure, development, cooperation, аудио
podcasts, africa, nigeria, colonialism, neocolonialism, british colonialism, engineering, infrastructure, development, cooperation, аудио
Beyond Colonial Walls: Rediscovering Africa’s Architectural Heritage
Aliyu Bello
Correspondent, Podcast Host
Colonialism’s influence on Africa extends beyond political institutions to the buildings and urban landscapes that shape everyday life. As the continent modernizes, questions remain about how African societies can preserve their architectural heritage while developing cities that reflect their cultures, identities, and contemporary needs.
Colonial-era buildings and Western-inspired designs remain prominent across many African cities, raising concerns about the marginalization of indigenous architectural traditions and the affordability of modern housing.
Global South Pole spoke with Associate Professor Mustapha Bala Ruma of the Department of English and French at Umaru Musa Yar’adua University in Katsina, Nigeria, to discuss colonialism’s impact on African architecture and the importance of reclaiming indigenous design traditions.
Ruma argued that colonialism introduced Western-inspired architectural styles and construction methods that relied on expensive materials, making them inaccessible to many local communities. He said these changes affected not only housing affordability but also how Africans perceived their traditional built environment, with colonial influences remaining visible in cities across the continent.
“Colonialism has indeed reshaped Africa’s architectural identity by introducing Western-influenced architectural designs that suit the cultural background of the colonialists. […] The colonialists introduced their own brand of building techniques that require the use of stones, cement, and mortar, and this cost a lot of money. […] So in short, the colonial change, or rather the colonial influence, is very visible in the built environment of many African countries today,” Ruma said.
To listen to the whole discussion, tune in to the
Global South Pole podcast, brought to you by
Sputnik Africa.In addition to the website, you can also catch our episodes on
Telegram.► Check out all the episodes of Global South Pole 
