Mokena Makeka

Mokena Makeka is an award-winning architect, urbanist, and global leader in sustainable design and development. Born in South Africa and raised in Lesotho and New York, he brings a unique international perspective to his work. Makeka holds a B.Arch with Honors from the University of Cape Town and has completed executive leadership programs at prestigious institutions, including Harvard Kennedy School and Oxford University. As a Partner at Axum, an Afrocentric impact firm, and Special Advisor to the Vice President of Academic Affairs at The Cooper Union, he focuses on climate-positive urbanism, sustainability, and social justice. Recognized as a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader and an Archbishop Desmond Tutu Leadership Fellow, Makeka is committed to creating inclusive, sustainable cities. He currently serves as the President of the South African Institute of Architects and is a board member of the South African Green Building Council. His expertise spans architecture, urban planning, climate-smart design, and regenerative development. Mokena believes that good architecture is a basic human right and aims to transform communities through innovative design strategies that address pressing global challenges such as climate change and social inequality.