Koyo Kouoh was a transformative force in institution-building for contemporary African art. As founding director of RAW Material Company in Dakar, she created a critical space for artistic discourse and curatorial training. Later, as executive director and chief curator of Zeitz MOCAA in Cape Town, she revitalized the institution, expanding its curatorial reach and community engagement. Kouoh’s leadership turned both spaces into vital platforms for African artists to gain global visibility. Her institutional vision emphasized long-term cultural infrastructure, mentorship, and local empowerment—leaving a legacy that continues to shape how African art is presented and supported on the global stage.