Visionary design thinker Titi Ogufere is steadfastly building a dynamic ecosystem where Africa's creative minds can unite to forge a distinct and powerful design identity for the continent. Her flagship initiative, Design Week Lagos, has become the cornerstone of this movement, catalysing collaboration and industrial growth.
A Historic Pact for African Design
The 2025 edition of Design Week Lagos, held at the prestigious Nahous in Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, marked a pivotal moment. The event saw the signing of the groundbreaking African Interior Design Charter by representatives from 15 different nations. Ogufere described this charter as a crucial unifying framework designed to foster seamless collaboration across Africa's creative landscape.
Parallel to this landmark signing, Ogufere hosted the Dialogue in Design and Development forum. This session was organised in partnership with the Association of Consulting Architects and the Interior Designers Association of Nigeria. It successfully convened a powerful mix of developers, architects, and government policymakers, all aimed at driving collective innovation in the built environment.
From Creative Vision to Economic Engine
Reflecting on the journey, Titi Ogufere explained the evolution of Design Week Lagos. "What began as a vision to build a recognisable design culture has grown into an ecosystem where ideas evolve into industries and creativity powers economic transformation," she stated. The programme, which started in 2019, has matured into a comprehensive platform spanning architecture, interior design, product design, and more.
The driving force behind this convergence is a shared belief in a critical mission: the industrialisation of Africa's design sector, beginning with Nigeria. Ogufere emphasised Nigeria's vast potential, noting, "Nigeria has a large creative youth population and we want them to show their creative skills." She issued a compelling call to action, urging both the government and the private sector to recognise the sector's value. "The government and everyone should pay attention to us because if we want Nigeria to industrialise, we need the designers and manufacturers," she added.
Showcasing 'Made in Africa' to the World
The theme for the 2025 edition, 'Made in Africa: Shaping Industries, Shaping Futures', perfectly encapsulated this commitment to demonstrating how design is a primary driver of continental progress and economic growth. The event's scale was impressive, featuring 120 exhibitors who presented 210 pieces of innovative work, showcasing the depth and breadth of African talent.
Drawing from her international experience, Ogufere highlighted the global precedent for valuing creators. "It has been done in the west. The world was built by designers, inventors and creators. People don't pay attention to creators but it's the new oil," she asserted. Her decision to launch Design Week Lagos was inspired by observing successful models abroad. "I lived in the UK and I see these things work and I decided to bring them to Nigeria," she concluded, underscoring her commitment to transplanting and adapting global best practices for the local context.
