A Journey Through West African Slums

Embark on a transformative journey to explore 18 slum communities in five West African countries located around the Gulf of Guinea. Experience their daily realities, and learn about their unique architecture, innovations, businesses, and challenges. As these centuries-old communities face rapid population growth, climate change, and even bulldozers, what needs to be done to preserve their homes?

About the Author

Aboubacar Sidiki Komara is an architectural designer, local economic development specialist, and community advocate, dedicated to addressing housing and urban challenges in West Africa. A native of Guinea, he holds a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from the University of California, Berkeley and a Master of Science in Local Economic Development from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). His work focuses on sustainable and community-driven solutions for vulnerable populations.

Komara founded Kaloum Bankhi, a nonprofit organization aimed at improving housing conditions in Conakry, Guinea and neighboring west African countries. Through collaborations with architects, policymakers, and local communities, he has worked to develop innovative, culturally responsive housing solutions. His efforts have earned him multiple accolades, including the Alpha Rho Chi Medal, the Big Ideas Contest First Prize, and the Judith Lee Stronach Baccalaureate Prize. He is also a winner of the 2021-2022 Programme for African Leadership (PfAL)’s African Leadership Student Project.

Komara is a knowledgeable architectural designer with years of experience at BDE Architecture, a renowned San Francisco-based architectural firm. He previously worked as a project lead at the Guinean Ministry of Investment and Public Private Partnerships and in 2019 was a member of the Guinean team participating in the Singapore-UN-Habitat International Leaders in Urban Governance Programme.

Komara’s work extends beyond design—his experiences engaging with slum communities across West Africa have shaped his understanding of informal urban development, economic resilience, and the power of grassroots innovation. This book is a reflection of that journey, offering a visual and narrative exploration of the architecture, creativity, and daily realities of communities often overlooked.