Lagos, Afreximbank take African Design Global at Milan 2026

Design Week Lagos has expanded its global footprint after successfully showcasing a new generation of African designers at SaloneSatellite 2026 in Milan, with the backing of African Export-Import Bank and the Lagos State Government.

The exhibition, held as part of the “All Roads Lead to Lagos” global tour, featured emerging African creatives working across furniture, lighting and product design, further positioning Lagos as a rising global hub for creativity, culture and design innovation.

Among the designers showcased at the prestigious Milan exhibition were Athanasius Johnson, Nicole Adaora Enwonwu, Odema Acacia Saleh, Richard A. Aina, Joan Eric Udorie, Olaoluwa AJ Durotoye and Myles Igwebuike. Their works explored the intersection of African cultural identity, innovation and commercial design potential.

Beyond the exhibition itself, the initiative created opportunities for the designers to engage international galleries, manufacturers and retailers, opening doors for partnerships, product acquisition and global market expansion.

Founder of Design Week Lagos, Titi Ogufere, said the initiative was designed to move African designers beyond creative expression into sustainable global business opportunities.

According to her, the organisation has spent years building an ecosystem focused on training, incubation, manufacturing and international exposure for African creatives.

“With All Roads Lead to Lagos, we are building a structured pathway for Nigerian and African designers to move from creativity into real industry and global markets,” Ogufere stated.

She noted that the global tour, which began in Milan and will continue to London and Paris before culminating in Lagos in October 2026, is aimed at positioning Lagos as a globally recognised design capital while strengthening Africa’s creative economy.

Also speaking, Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson, said the initiative aligns with the state government’s broader strategy to deepen the creative economy and promote Lagos as a leading destination for culture, tourism and innovation.

Benson explained that the state launched its Design Tourism initiative last year as part of efforts to leverage the economic and cultural value of design, adding that the “All Roads Lead to Lagos” project extends that vision to major international platforms.

“We believe Lagos is emerging as one of the most exciting creative capitals globally, and Design Week Lagos continues to play an important role in that journey,” she said.

The Milan showcase was supported by Afreximbank through its Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) programme, an initiative focused on expanding Africa’s creative industries and connecting African talent with international trade and finance opportunities.

According to the organisers, the multi-city activation will proceed to Paris and London before returning to Lagos in October 2026, where the focus will shift toward market integration, manufacturing partnerships and industrial-scale opportunities for African designers.

The organisers added that the collaboration between Design Week Lagos, Afreximbank and the Lagos State Government is laying the groundwork for a globally competitive African-led design economy driven by investment, innovation and commercial viability.