Bringing together designers, architects, creatives, industry leaders, jury members, and press representatives from across Africa and beyond, the two-day event will celebrate the growing impact of African creativity and innovation on the global stage.

The program will begin on Friday, July 24, at Sémé City with a full day dedicated to networking, conferences, Design Talks, and presentations by winning designers. Attendees will also have the opportunity to visit the Africa Design School and engage in conversations around the future of design “Made in Africa.”

The celebrations will continue on Saturday, July 25, at the prestigious Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa with the official AIDA Awards Ceremony and Cocktail Reception. The evening will honour the outstanding winners of the 2026 edition, including the presentation of the coveted “Designers of the Year” trophies, exhibitions of winning projects, and a cocktail reception overlooking the marina.

Each attending winner will be invited on stage to receive either an official trophy or certificate, creating what organizers describe as “an unforgettable celebration of African creative excellence.”

“This inaugural gathering represents far more than an awards ceremony,” shared Astrid Hébert, Founder. “It is a platform for connection, collaboration, and visibility for the next generation of African creative talent.”

Managed by ThreeC Group GmbH, the Africa International Design Awards (AIDA) aims to spotlight excellence across architecture, product design, interior design, fashion, communication, and creative disciplines throughout the African continent.

The AIDA Awards are made possible through a growing ecosystem of exceptional jury members, sponsors, partners, and supporters who share a commitment to elevating African design on the global stage. At the heart of the initiative stands the Africa Design School, alongside with two official sponsors L’École de Design Nantes Atlantique and the African Fashion Foundation (AFF).  The Awards ceremony and conferences will take place in Cotonou, Benin at the end of July 2026.

Program partners include African Female Architects, Africa Fashion Tour, Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week (ASFW), d5mag, Design Week South Africa, Design Week Lagos, Pan Afrikan Design Institute (PADI), Scape Magazine, v2com Newswire, DEFSA, Decorex Africa, The Fashion Law Institute, and PAID Summit.

At the heart of the celebration is a trophy that embodies the very values it represents. Designed using recycled plastic sourced across West Africa, it transforms existing materials into a meaningful symbol of innovation and responsibility. More than an award, it is a statement—one that highlights the potential of sustainable design to reimagine resources and create lasting value.

With its bold, layered forms, the trophy captures the richness and diversity of creative voices across Africa and beyond. Each piece tells a story of collaboration, resilience, and forward-thinking design, making it a fitting tribute to the designers whose work continues to push boundaries and inspire change.