About Us
We believe housing is a human right — and building it should heal the planet, not harm it.
Our story
Phioneers is building climate-smart communities designed for Africa’s future.
Founded in the United Kingdom in 2019, Phioneers was created to address the growing housing challenges facing communities across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Through research, collaboration, and community engagement, the organisation develops innovative housing systems that combine sustainable construction, renewable energy, and community empowerment.
Our Growing Team
Phioneers collaborates with architects, engineers, community partners, and sustainability specialists to develop housing solutions that combine environmental responsibility with social impact.
As projects expand across Africa, the team continues to grow through partnerships and collaborations with professionals who share the vision of building sustainable communities.
Ousman Touray
Founder
Ousman is a qualified Civil Engineer with 15 years of experience in major infrastructure engineering and construction. He is committed to building a sustainable future by combining engineering with natural systems. Along his social entrepreneurial journey, Ousman has been recognized by major startup journals for his commitment to sustainable development and improving the quality of life for the poorer communities in Africa.
Larry Leyden
Co Founder
Larry honed his strategic marketing, communication, branding and business management skills by working for two international advertising agencies, servicing brands in South, West and East Africa. His pivot into behavioural and human-centred design as well as his new business development experience within the international development sector makes him the perfect complement to Ousman’s technical skill set.
Josiane Dongmo
Civil Engineer
Josiane holds a Masters in Civil Engineering from the University of Padova. She is a CAD certified project manager, currently serving as the field civil engineer for a leading NGO in the WASH sector. Josiane is passionate about social upliftment and is a CEO and Founder of Growth For All, an NGO that leads successful embodiment and empowerment education processes for vulnerable people.
Abdoulaye Ndiaye
Executive Assistant — Phioneers
​Abdoulaye Ndiaye supports the coordination and operational development of Phioneers initiatives, assisting with partnerships, project preparation, and organisational activities as the team prepares to launch the first DWLBL community.
Maël Sonna
Structural Engineer
Maël holds a Masters in Civil Engineering from the University of Padova, specializing in structural Civil Engineering. He is currently a Doctoral Researcher at INSA Rennes, which is one of the best post-baccalaureate engineering schools in France. Maël is an E4C (Engineering for Change) fellow and aims to build structures that do good.
Derek A. R. Moore
Advisory Board Member
Derek (PhD, AIA) is an Architect and Urbanist who has led numerous large infrastructure projects in the US, MENA, India and Asia. His current research focuses on exploring the alignment of heritage, housing and urban regeneration with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Derek is also a fellow of the American Academy in Rome and taught the history and theory of Architecture at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation.
Anna Torriani
Advisory Board Member
Anna is a founding partner and design Principal at APT Architecture (Pagnamenta Torriani), a NY-based Atelier and International Practice. She pursues her understanding of public space through the studio’s SPS (Shaping Public Space) initiative and public engagement. Anna has also been nominated by Ban-Ki-Moon to serve on the Advisory Board for the United Nations Capital Master Plan, and as the Co-Chair of the Public Architecture Committee of the NYC AIA Chapter. Anna and her team deserve commendation for their significant contributions to our architectural design work.
SUPPORT THE MISSION
The first DWLBL community represents the beginning of a broader vision to develop sustainable communities across Africa.
Support for this initiative will help bring the first climate-smart housing cluster to life and demonstrate a model designed for long-term impact.