ABOUT

OUR STORY

Since 2013, Open Design Afrika (ODA) has dedicated a decade to the most critical Design Brief in Human History: crafting a thriving future for people and the planet. Initially founded as the Open Design Cape Town Festival under the leadership of co-founders Christo Maritz, Y Tsai, and Suné Stassen, ODA has evolved into a distinct Afrikan brand under new leadership since 2018.

Grounded in the Afrikan humanist philosophy of UBUNTU, ODA democratises participation, fosters knowledge sharing, and instills future-making life skills in children, youth, and communities through creative experiences that can help to develop Creative Intelligence in ALL participants, young and old.

Our flagship Festival, a vibrant celebration of impactful design, innovation, and creativity, acts as a catalyst for systemic change. Recognised as a ‘Citizen’s education experience’ and a ‘futures thinking’ endeavour, ODA goes beyond the festival, executing transformative social impact projects such as ‘Girls Make The City’, ‘Girls in Business’, ‘MyMachine’—developing future-making life skills, new aspirations, creative confidence, community and self-value, and pride.

Join us in leading and innovating for a future that enhances lives and nature.

AFRIKA
IS RISING

RISE WITH HER

We write Afrika with a “K”!

There are more than 2000 indigenous languages in Afrika and they all write Afrika with a “K”. To us Africa with a “C” as an external and outside worldview of Afrika. Afrika with a “K” is us as Afrikans taking ownership of our future and our destiny. It is an inward-looking perspective of our Afrikan continent.

OUR VISION

To transform society into future-makers. To design a thriving future world where every individual, regardless of background, is empowered to use their creative intelligence and design thinking skills to create positive change for themselves, their communities, and the planet.

OUR MISSION

To democratise access to opportunities for developing Creative Intelligence – future-making life skills, and inspire new innovative solutions for a thriving future through our inclusive and community-driven platform.

OUR VALUES

Inclusiveness: Democratising access to opportunities and resources, ensuring equal participation, contribution, and success for everyone.
Reciprocal relationships: Fostering connections based on mutual respect and trust, promoting community and collaboration.
Social cohesion: Advocating for unity and harmony among people from diverse backgrounds, creating an inclusive environment.
Humanist philosophy (Ubuntu): Guided by the Afrikan humanist philosophy of Ubuntu, emphasising “I am because you are” and “I participate, therefore I am” – a focus on the interdependence and connectedness of all people and the importance of participation in shaping our world.
Systemic change: Driving systemic change to contribute to the design of a thriving future world, working towards long-term and sustainable solutions to complex challenges.