Events

Meet designers from Africa and beyond, and discover the ideas shaping their work. Explore the AIDA Awards launch, conferences, awards ceremony and our appearances at design events across the continent.

30 July to 2 August 2026 | Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa

AIDA brought a selection of its inaugural award-winning projects to Decorex Joburg, with an exhibition spanning Spatial, Product, Fashion and Communication Design. The programme also included Future Talks by Oggie on 1 August, exploring how collaboration across disciplines can shape design practice across Africa.

Moderated by Bathandwa Ngwendu, “Beyond Boundaries: The Power of Cross-Disciplinary Design” brought together AIDA winners and jury members from architecture, interiors, product, lighting and visual communication.

Explore the exhibition and Future Talks programme

25 July 2026 | Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa, Cotonou, Benin

The first AIDA Awards ceremony brought more than 100 designers, partners, jury members and guests together to celebrate the 2026 winners. Hosted by Hossein Farmani and Helena Segon, the evening featured winning project presentations, Designer of the Year announcements and the presentation of the inaugural AIDA trophies.

A cocktail reception and a curated exhibition of winning projects gave guests time to meet, exchange ideas and discover the work behind the awards.

Read the event highlights · View the ceremony photo album

24 July 2026 | Sèmè One, Cotonou, Benin

Winners, jury members, students and design professionals gathered for a day of keynotes, panel discussions and conversations with designers from Africa and beyond. Bibi Seck explored craft and design legacy, while a panel moderated by Lani Adeoye brought Rhoda Aguonigho, Bibi Seck and Charles O. Job together to discuss the global future of designers from Africa and beyond.

Charles Johnson shared his perspective on designing and manufacturing in Africa. Twelve award-winning designers then presented their projects through the AIDA Fire Talks, followed by a guided visit to the Africa Design School.

Read the conference highlights · View the conference photo album

25 October 2025 | Lagos, Nigeria

Astrid Hébert and Bibi Seck introduced the AIDA Awards to an audience of more than 250 designers and architects at Design Week Lagos. Joined by jury members Titi Ogufere and Seun Olatunji, they discussed the programme’s mission to support emerging and established design talent across Africa and its diaspora.

The presentation invited the Nigerian design community to share its work, connect across disciplines and take part in a new international platform for designers from Africa and beyond.

Read the Lagos event highlights

22 July 2025 | Cotonou, Benin

The Africa International Design Awards officially launched during African Design Week in Cotonou. Founded by 3C Awards Group in collaboration with Africa Design School, the programme introduced an international platform celebrating the creativity of designers from Africa and beyond across Spatial, Product, Communication and Fashion Design.

The opening brought together designers, educators and partners, including Head of Jury Bibi Seck, Ousmane Mbaye, Alain Soreil and Astrid Hébert. Presided over by Sèmè City’s Claude Borna, the ceremony was followed by a conversation with Bibi Seck and Ousmane Mbaye about their design journeys and the role of awards in professional recognition.

Read the launch highlights · Discover how AIDA began