Breaking News: Koyo Kouoh, Visionary Director of Zeitz MOCAA, Passes Away.

Cape Town, South Africa – May 10, 2025

Koyo Kouoh, the esteemed Executive Director and Chief Curator of the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA), has passed away at the age of 58. Her death marks a profound loss for the global art community, where she was celebrated as a transformative leader and a pioneering advocate for African contemporary art. Her passing was announced by Zeitz Mocca on Instagram.

Born in 1967 in Douala, Cameroon, Kouoh spent her formative years in Switzerland before embarking on a career that would see her become one of the most influential figures in the art world. In 2008, she founded RAW Material Company in Dakar, Senegal—a dynamic center for art, knowledge, and society that became a cornerstone for critical discourse and artistic innovation across the continent.

In 2019, Kouoh took the helm at Zeitz MOCAA in Cape Town, South Africa, Africa's largest museum dedicated to contemporary art. Under her leadership, the institution underwent a significant transformation, emphasizing inclusivity, scholarly excellence, and a pan-African perspective. She curated landmark exhibitions such as When We See Us: A Century of Black Figuration in Painting (2022), which was lauded for its profound exploration of Black self-representation in art.

Kouoh's curatorial vision extended beyond exhibitions. She was instrumental in establishing programs that nurtured emerging African curators and artists, including a fellowship scheme aimed at creating a new generation of museum specialists . Her commitment to fostering African philanthropy and expanding the museum's global reach was evident in initiatives like the formation of a Global Council comprising international art luminaries.

In recognition of her contributions, Kouoh was appointed as the curator for the 61st Venice Biennale, set to take place in 2026. This historic appointment made her the first African woman to lead the prestigious international art exhibition, reflecting her status as a trailblazer in the field .

Beyond her professional achievements, Kouoh was known for her unwavering dedication to amplifying African voices in the global art narrative. She leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and influence the art world for generations to come.