What if the future of architecture were shaped not by the traditional centres of global design, but by ideas emerging from Africa and its diaspora?

This question lies at the heart of the African Futures Institute (AFI), an ambitious educational and research initiative based in Accra, Ghana, seeking to change how the world teaches, studies and practises architecture.

Founded through the vision of Professor Lesley Lokko and developed in collaboration with renowned Ghanaian-British architect Sir David Adjaye, the institute aims to establish a world-class platform connecting architectural education, research and professional practice.

Its ambition extends beyond training architects; it seeks to challenge established thinking about the built environment and whose perspectives shape it.

Lokko, an influential architectural educator and former director of the Graduate School of Architecture at the University of Johannesburg, has long championed more inclusive approaches to architectural learning.

At AFI, this vision takes on a distinctly African perspective, recognising the continent’s young population, rapid urbanisation and growing influence on global conversations about cities and design.

The institute’s founding philosophy is built around a series of provocative questions. What if African and diaspora perspectives could help address challenges involving racial inequality, environmental justice and new forms of urbanism? What if architectural education could place diversity, equity and inclusion at its centre?

Beyond teaching and research, AFI provides a platform for public engagement through exhibitions, talks and events featuring international artists and thinkers.

Located in Accra, the institute represents an important shift in the geography of architectural knowledge.

Rather than simply adapting ideas developed elsewhere, it seeks to position Africa as a source of original thinking, innovation and leadership in shaping the spaces where future generations will live.

A visit to Ghana does not have to end when the suitcase is packed and the journey home begins.

From brightly coloured Kente cloth to earthy handmade crafts and natural skincare products, the country’s markets and artisan shops offer visitors an opportunity to take home something that tells a story about Ghanaian life, creativity and heritage.

For those drawn to natural beauty products, Ghanaian shea butter and African black soap are worthwhile purchases. Made using traditional ingredients and methods, they have earned international recognition among people seeking plant-based skincare alternatives. Their practicality also makes them thoughtful gifts.

Textiles are another highlight. Kente, with its intricate patterns and vivid colours, is among Ghana’s most recognisable cultural symbols.

Batik and Adinkra-stamped fabrics offer different expressions of local textile artistry, while visitors can also purchase fabric and have clothes tailored to their preferred styles.

The traditional smock, particularly associated with northern Ghana, provides another distinctive option.

For something smaller, Ghanaian jewellery, postage stamps and Afro Moses sandals offer memorable alternatives.

Handwoven baskets, wooden carvings and other handcrafted objects showcase the skill of local artisans, making them particularly meaningful souvenirs for those who appreciate handmade work.

What makes these purchases special is the connection they create between the visitor and the place. A piece of fabric can become a treasured outfit, a wooden carving a feature in a living room, and a jar of shea butter a reminder of Ghana’s natural resources.

Rather than choosing an ordinary keepsake, visitors can leave Ghana with objects that celebrate its traditions, support its creative communities and keep memories of the country alive long after the journey ends.

As evening settles over Accra, the sound of a saxophone, the pulse of a highlife guitar and the murmur of conversation come together at +233 Jazz Bar & Grill, a venue where the city’s musical traditions meet its cosmopolitan nightlife.

Located in the Ridge area, near Ghana Police Headquarters, +233 takes its name from Ghana’s international telephone dialling code. It is a fitting expression of local identity for a venue that has become a recognised meeting point for music lovers, performers and visitors seeking an authentic taste of Accra after dark.

A Stage for Ghana’s Musical Heritage

Music is the main attraction. Operating most nights from Tuesday to Sunday, with performances typically beginning around 8pm, the venue offers a programme spanning jazz, highlife, Afrobeat, blues and soul.

Highlife, a distinctly Ghanaian musical tradition shaped by local rhythms and influences from elsewhere, holds a special place in the country’s cultural story. Hearing it alongside jazz and Afrobeat creates an opportunity to appreciate the connections between Ghana’s musical heritage and wider global sounds.

The venue has welcomed established Ghanaian performers and international artists, while continuing to provide a platform for emerging talent. Its appeal lies partly in this balance between familiar favourites and fresh voices.

Music, Food and an Open-Air Atmosphere

Spread across two levels, the venue combines indoor seating with an outdoor terrace where guests can enjoy Accra’s evening breeze.

Bars on both floors make it easy to order a drink without losing touch with the performance.

The menu complements the music with grilled favourites such as kebabs, burgers, pork chops and chips. Cocktails, beers and soft drinks round out the experience, whether guests arrive for dinner or settle in for a full evening of live entertainment.

A Different Side of Accra

For international visitors, +233 offers a welcoming introduction to the capital’s contemporary music scene. For residents, it provides a place to meet friends and celebrate the musicians shaping Ghanaian sound.

With its blend of live performance, relaxed dining and local identity, +233 Jazz Bar & Grill makes a compelling case for experiencing Accra one song at a time.