There are many things to unpack in the always-busy, bubbling city of Lagos, especially toward the end of the year, when all roads to the most year-long anticipated convergence — across all industries — lead to Nigeria’s former Federal Captial Territory. Within the design and creative terrain, the Design Week Lagos (DWL) has been the event to beat over the past five years, and the 2024 edition has only added more depth to its significance. 

Held from Tuesday, October 22, to Sunday, October 27, the 2024 Design Week Lagos, themed “The Role of Design in Economic Evolution,” didn’t fail to unearth, platform, and celebrate the uniqueness of Africa’s innovation, creativity, and dexterity. Industry leaders, innovators, designers, and budding talents benefited from keynote sessions, panel discussions, exhibitions, and workshops that cemented DWL’s prominence as a catalyst for design-led innovation and economic growth across the continent.

The five-day festival, which took place at select venues across Lagos State, notably featured political messages from Vice President Kassim Shettima, delivered by Fegho John Umunubo, a keynote address by the Honorable Minister of Arts, Culture, Creative Economy & Tourism, Hannatu Musawa, and remarks from the Lagos State Commissioner of Tourism.

Global design leaders like Benedict Radcliffe, Myles Igwebuike, architect James Brendan Udom, Osaru Alile, Ayo Teriba, and Olusegun Zaccheus, were a particular highlight for attendees. They offered invaluable insights as participants experienced innovation firsthand and connected with visionaries who collectively celebrated Africa’s dynamic design scene and cultural richness.

Workshops and inspiring discussions with global design leaders like Benedict Radcliffe, Myles Igwebuike, architect James Brendan Udom, Osaru Alile, Ayo Teriba, and Olusegun Zaccheus were highlights for attendees. Participants experienced innovation firsthand and connected with visionaries who collectively celebrated Africa’s dynamic design scene and cultural richness.

The concluding National Design & Innovation Competition (NDIC) featured inspiring beneficiary stories and a pivotal fundraising segment aimed at amplifying awareness of NDIC’s mission and its ambitious plan to train 1 million individuals over the next five years. It was an iconic moment that ended on a hopeful note for the future, as University of Lagos students swept the top three positions in the Design Week Lagos Student Competition.

The 2024 Design Week Lagos also featured exhibitions from premier furniture producer Julius Berger-AFP, PIQIT by IO Furniture, and others under the Made by Design Show marketplace and The Design and Innovation Exhibition platform, both of which showcased the ingenuity of Africa’s breakthroughs in industrial, product, and furniture design.

Check out more pictures below.