Design Week Lagos 2024: Uniting Creativity and Economic Prosperity in Africa’s Design Capital
Lagos, Nigeria – A buzzing metropolis constantly redefining itself, Lagos stands as a testament to Africa’s boundless potential. From October 23rd to 27th, Design Week Lagos (DWL) 2024 invites the world to witness how design shapes economic evolution in this inspiring setting. Under the visionary theme “The Role of Design in Economic Evolution,” DWL 2024 will illuminate the transformative power of design, emphasizing the rich tapestry of African innovation and the strength of global collaboration.
Since its inception in 2019 by Titi Ogufere, DWL has blossomed into Africa’s foremost design festival, acclaimed for its role in bridging the gap between Africa’s vibrant design community and global innovators. This year, as DWL returns to the Livespot Entertarium in Lekki, the festival shines a spotlight on contemporary African creativity and the pivotal role design plays in economic growth.
A Platform for Thought Leaders and Pioneers
DWL Talks, always a festival highlight, will feature distinguished speakers who are at the forefront of integrating design with economic frameworks. Her Excellency Hannatu Musawa, Nigeria’s Minister of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, is among the noted thought leaders delving into this conversation. Renowned designer Benedict Radcliffe will share insights from his journey with Range Rover, revealing the intricacies of creating iconic automotive designs. Meanwhile, Myles Igwebuike will shed light on the endeavours at the Nigerian Pavilion at the London Design Biennale, exploring its contributions to global design narratives.
From leaders like Dr. Olusi of the Bank of Industry to Osahon Akpata of Canex, discussions will range across themes of economic value and the cross-pollination of creativity and industry, driving a dialogue at the nexus of design and commerce.
A Mosaic of Exhibitions and Innovations
At the heart of the festival lies the Made by Design Show, Nigeria’s illustrious exhibition that gathers titans of the furniture and furnishing industries. Leading brands such as AFP by Julius Berger and WOODstyles will grace the event, and attendees will be treated to an array of exceptional designs and craftsmanship that reflect the sophistication of Nigerian design and craftsmanship.
Further enriching the experience, the Design & Innovation Exhibition will reveal over 100 groundbreaking products from both established names and rising stars in African design. This showcase brings forth collaborations with local manufacturers, marking a defining stride towards sustainable industrial design in Nigeria. Featured works, from Tosin Oshinowo’s modernistic Àpótí Stool to Kanyinsade Ademuson’s technological marvels in the Fold Series, demonstrate the diversity and depth of contemporary African aesthetics.
Igniting the Flame of Innovation
The National Design & Innovation Competition (NDIC) sits at the core of DWL’s mission, aiming to fuel Nigeria’s economic transformation by promoting local talent across five key design disciplines. Within this framework, exciting workshops—such as a Car Design Workshop led by Benedict Radcliffe in collaboration with Nigerian innovator Dapo Akintunde, and a Leather Furniture Making Masterclass supported by GU Ebeco—equip participants with invaluable skills. These initiatives foster a vibrant environment where young creatives can flourish, furthering the aim to reduce import reliance and nurture local craftsmanship.
Parallelly, the DWL Students’ Competition, supported by NIPOST, invites young minds to envision a reimagined Design and Creative Hub within an existing postal service workshop. This endeavour celebrates innovation while honouring NIPOST’s enduring legacy of service and progress.
A Celebration of Design’s Transformative Potential
As the global design community converges upon Lagos, DWL 2024 promises to showcase creativity and herald a new era where design becomes a catalyst for economic and societal advancement. Through keynotes, exhibitions, competitions, and workshops, this festival celebrates not only what design can achieve but also what Africa can offer the world.
DWL 2024 is not merely an event but a movement, a forward-looking glimpse into how ingenuity and collaboration can shape a shared future. This October, amidst the vibrant energy of Lagos, Design Week Lagos invites the world to witness firsthand the unfolding story of African design and its influential role in economic evolution.
