Afreximbank and the Lagos State Government supported Design Week Lagos (DWL) at SaloneSatellite during Milan Design Week 2026.
The showcase formed part of the “All Roads Lead to Lagos” global tour. The initiative aims to position African design globally.
The Milan exhibition highlighted emerging African talents across furniture, lighting, and product design. It also strengthened Africa’s growing presence in global design conversations.
African Designers Showcase Innovation in Milan
The exhibition featured works by:
- Athanasius Johnson
- Nicole Adaora Enwonwu
- Odema Acacia Saleh
- Richard A. Aina
- Joan Eric Udorie
- Olaoluwa AJ Durotoye
- Myles Igwebuike
The designers presented collections inspired by culture, innovation, craftsmanship, and material exploration. Their works also reflected strong commercial production potential.
The showcase created opportunities for designers to meet international galleries, manufacturers, retailers, and investors. It also opened discussions around manufacturing partnerships and global retail expansion.
Titi Ogufere Speaks on African Design Growth
Titi Ogufere said the initiative aims to move African designers into global business opportunities.
She explained that Design Week Lagos focuses on training, incubation, and international exposure for emerging designers. The platform also prepares creatives for manufacturing and production opportunities.
According to Ogufere, the global tour will continue in London and Paris after Milan. The tour will later conclude in Lagos in October 2026.
She added that the Milan response proved African design is culturally significant and commercially viable internationally.
Lagos State Expands Its Design Tourism Vision
Toke Benson described the initiative as part of Lagos State’s Design Tourism strategy.
The strategy aims to position Lagos as a leading destination for culture, tourism, creativity, and innovation. It also seeks to attract global creative investments and partnerships.
Benson said the initiative allows Lagos to showcase African creativity in Milan, London, and Paris. The project will later welcome global audiences to Lagos in October 2026.
She added that the initiative creates opportunities for designers and creative businesses to access international markets. It also strengthens Lagos’ reputation as a growing global creative capital.
Afreximbank Supports Africa’s Creative Economy Through CANEX
Afreximbank supported the Milan showcase through its Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) programme.
The programme focuses on growing Africa’s creative industries through trade, investment, and international market access. It also connects African talent with global business opportunities.
Through CANEX, Afreximbank continues supporting Africa’s creative economy as a sustainable economic sector. The initiative also encourages long-term industry development across the continent.
Global Tour Continues to London, Paris, and Lagos
Following Milan Design Week 2026, the global tour will continue in Paris and London. The initiative will later conclude in Lagos in October 2026.
The Lagos edition will focus on manufacturing integration, industrial scale, and market expansion opportunities. It will also encourage stronger collaboration between designers and investors.
Design Week Lagos, Afreximbank, and the Lagos State Government continue building an African-led design economy. Their partnership also supports globally competitive and commercially sustainable creative industries.
For more information, visit Design Week Lagos.
