A new initiative aimed at elevating African creativity on the world stage through a design tour is set to kick off as Design Week Lagos, backed by Afreximbank and the Lagos State Government, prepares to showcase African designers at SaloneSatellite 2026 in Milan. The project forms part of the broader “All Roads Lead to Lagos” global campaign designed to position Africa as a major force within the international creative industry.
About the Milan Exhibition
The Milan exhibition will spotlight emerging African talents working across furniture, lighting, and product design. Featured creatives include Athanasius Johnson, Nicole Adaora Enwonwu, Odema Acacia Saleh, Richard A. Aina, Joan Eric Udorie, Olaoluwa AJ Durotoye, and Myles Igwebuike. Their work is expected to blend innovation, cultural storytelling, and commercial design potential in ways that can attract global partnerships and market opportunities.
According to Design Week Lagos founder Titi Ogufere, the initiative is intended to move African design beyond exhibitions into sustainable industry and global trade. She explained that the platform has spent years developing local talent through training and incubation programmes, and that the international tour is a continuation of efforts to connect African creatives with manufacturers, retailers, and investors around the world.
The global tour will extend beyond Milan to cities such as London and Paris before culminating in Lagos in October 2026. Organisers say the strategy is not only about visibility for African creatives, but also about building a stronger creative economy driven by production, manufacturing, and international collaboration.
Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson, noted that the initiative aligns with the state’s ambition to establish Lagos as a leading global destination for creativity, tourism, and innovation. She added that the programme creates opportunities for local designers and businesses to access international markets while encouraging global audiences to engage more deeply with Lagos’ creative culture.
Wrapping Up
Afreximbank’s involvement through its Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) programme reflects the bank’s broader commitment to strengthening Africa’s creative industries as a viable economic sector. Over the years, CANEX has focused on supporting creative talent through funding, partnerships, and market access initiatives across industries such as fashion, music, film, and art.
