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APPLICATION TO THE AIDA AWARDS

Have you created an outstanding design project — from a bold architectural concept to an innovative product, a powerful graphic identity, or a visionary fashion piece?

You are an African – based Designers or rooted from Africa, Then don’t wait — apply to the Africa International Design Awards (AIDA) today!

We invite all design professionals, students, companies, independent studios, and collectives to submit their work. Selected winners will receive international recognition, visibility across our media platforms, and a chance to showcase their vision on the international stage.

AIDA Awards accepts applications for projects developed within the last five years, including conceptual ideas, prototypes, or completed works already in use or circulation.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Register online and complete your profile information:
⇒ Click on the “Submit” tab to create your AIDA Awards account. By registering, you join a growing African community of creatives and will receive updates on the awards program. Once your profile is complete, you’ll be directed to the submission page.

Complete the online application:
⇒ Fill out your submission form directly through your AIDA Awards profile. Applications are accepted during the full submission phase — no need to wait!

Choose the Discipline:
⇒ AIDA  Awards recognizes work in four design disciplines: Spatial Design ( Architecture / Interior Design), Product Design, Integrated Communication Design and Fashion Design

Select the discipline that best fits your project before choosing a specific category within it.

Project selection:
⇒ Each project is evaluated individually. It is important to note that each design is evaluated separately; the jury members are not evaluating a “body of work” or a “collection” of design. Please prepare one application for each product submission.

Add Project Information & Credits:
⇒ Provide your project title and key details, along with credits for the designer(s), creative team, studio, academic mentors, or collaborators.

Write a Description, a Sustainable approach and Impact:
⇒ Your description (between 800 and 1,200 characters) should highlight the project’s purpose, concept, and innovation. Share your project/product sustainable approach and impact.

 It must be written in English to ensure clarity during jury evaluation.

Upload your images, PDF document:
⇒ You can upload up to 10 images, one PDF document (a specification sheet – this is additional information for the jury only: it won’t be published). Choose the options that best represent your project or product, with both an overview and detailed focus pictures.

Add a video & Website link:
⇒ As the products will only be judged based on the submitted application documents, a video that briefly and concisely presents your productor project  increases your chances.

Review your application:
⇒ Please review your submission carefully, checking for any errors or missing information, before finalizing the payment.

Pay and receive your invoice:
⇒ Submission fees are the last step in processing your application. Check out the fees here, kindly create your entry and make sure it is finalized before submitting your payment.

For any questions, please refer to our [FAQ], our entry guide or contact us at support@africainternationaldesignawards.com.

 

ELIGIBILITY

The AIDA Awards are open to designers of all ages (18+) residing or working in Africa or rooted from Africa (diaspora), as well as students enrolled in African institutions.

Entries will be judged in three categories:

  • Company (Large organization, design studio – the application is under the company name…)
  • Independent designer ( freelancer – the application is under the designer name – no company name)
  • Student (University or Design school Projects)

 

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS 

  • The project/ product must have been designed within the last 5 years, we accept drawings/3D concepts, prototypes, already launched products or built project.
  • Provide a clear description of the project, emphasizing the design’s function, benefit, and innovation.
  • Provide Designer/Student and/or Company Profile/University names.
  • Give names of those who should be credited: company, designer, photo credit, drawing, manufacturer, distributor, collaborator, mentor, professor etc.
  • Up to 10 images of your project design, including an optional company logo.
  • Project / Product Specification PDF (Spec sheet can also be included for implementation or manufacturing details used in the design) – this will not be published, only used by the jury.
  • A video and website link presenting the project and/or product design, usage, innovation, etc.

 

ENTRY FEES 2026

To ensure access and representation across the continent and the diaspora, we offer regionally adapted pricing. Africa-based applicants benefit from a reduced fee structure to reflect local economies and support emerging voices. Diaspora and international participants are invited to contribute through a standard fee, which helps fund outreach and the awards ceremony.

 

ENTRY FEES 2026 – APPLICATIONS FROM AFRICAN COUNTRIES

The AIDA Awards entry fees are calculated per project submitted and are determined based on the country associated with your billing information or company location.

  • Professional/ Company: US$100, same entry in additional categories at a 50% discount.
  • Independent Designer / Freelancers: US$40, same entry in additional categories at a 50% discount.
  • Student: US$10, same entry in additional categories at a 50% discount.

 

ENTRY FEES 2026 – INTERNATIONAL APPLICATIONS

The AIDA Awards entry fees are calculated per project submitted and are determined based on the country associated with your billing information or company location.

  • Professional/ Company: US$200, same entry in additional categories at a 50% discount.
  • Independent Designer / Freelancers: US$80, same entry in additional categories at a 50% discount.
  • Student: US$20, same entry in additional categories at a 50% discount.

Submission fees are exclusive of VAT, unless the company is based in Switzerland. VAT, when applicable, has to be declared locally.

No Further Fees: Unlike some other design awards and competitions, there are no further fees for winning the award: Everything listed in the winner’s benefits will be provided free of charge.

 

DEADLINES & DISCOUNT – AIDA AWARDS 2026

  • 20% Early Bird discount until October 31st, 2025
  • 10% Extended Early Bird discount until November 30th, 2025
  • Regular Deadline until February 15th, 2026
  • Final Deadline: March 15th, 2026 (10% late fee applies) till March 31st, 2026
  • The Program will close on March 31st, 2026

 

SUBMISSION TIPS FOR THE AFRICA INTERNATIONAL DESIGN AWARDS

We have created a list of the best tips to help you through the submission process, demonstrating in this step-by-step guide how to ensure your design entry is strong and will make a positive impact on the jury.

  • Complete your user/company profile. Our system provides an auto-generated invoice for your submission fees, so please add your company address, e-mail, VAT number, etc. Also, don’t forget to share your company/ your professional information, and any previous awards and accolades you have won!
  • As we have an international jury panel, the project description, specifications sheet, credits, and other information need to be written in English.
  • The project, sustainable approach, innovation and impact descriptions are some of the most essential parts of your submission. Ensure they are engaging and interesting, keeping them as short as you can, while still providing as much information as possible. As examples, share the original idea for the design — the creative trigger — What problems does it solve? How is it innovative in terms of materials, technology, or cultural narrative?
  • You can upload up to ten images with each entry. It is best to have a mix of images — some of which give an overall view of the product/project, and others that are more close-up to show design details and/or materials. Please keep in mind that if your submission wins an award, the cover image (the first image you upload) will be the one displayed on the website winners’ gallery and also in the annual AIDA Awards Digital Book. For these reasons, it is wise to choose an image that best represents your project overall.
  • Don’t forget that you can also upload a PDF file with any additional project details, 3D drawings, concepts, product specifications, sourcing information, or any other information you may feel is important to share with the jury.
  • Please credit all the designers who took part in the project. You can also add photographer, model credits, institutions involved as appropriate.
  • Each submission category has many sub-categories for you to choose from — and many entries would fit into multiple sub-categories. To increase your chances of winning, we recommend that you enter your work in more than one sub-category. A 50% discount is offered when entering your design in additional sub-categories.