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FNB partners with WomenIN Festival 2025 to empower women, drive financial independence

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First National Bank (FNB) has announced its partnership with the WomenIN Festival 2025 as the lead empowerment partner for the highly anticipated two-day celebration of women, set to take place from 13–14 November at Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town, South Africa.

Themed “Limitless: No Labels, No Limits, No Apologies,” the festival will unite entrepreneurs, professionals, creatives, and community leaders to celebrate women’s leadership, resilience, and innovation. For FNB, the collaboration represents more than sponsorship—it reflects a commitment to purpose-driven empowerment.

“As a financial institution, we’re intentional about supporting women in every role they play—business owners, leaders, caregivers, and changemakers,” said Nicole Sykes, Head of Women in Business at FNB. “Partnering with the WomenIN Festival 2025 allows us to show up in a way that’s visible, grounded, and future-focused.”

The partnership is rooted in a shared belief that empowering women drives broader social and economic transformation. Both FNB and WomenIN aim to build systems and provide tools that enable women not only to participate but to lead, grow, and thrive. “WomenIN is more than a festival—it’s a platform for transformation,” Sykes added. “It mirrors our values of access, equity, and building something bigger than ourselves.”

Read Also: Africa Tech Festival 2025 set to unite global innovators in Cape Town

As part of the collaboration, FNB will host a series of impactful initiatives, including financial wellness sessions focused on money management and wealth creation, and leadership roundtables featuring trailblazing women from diverse sectors through FNB’s Nav Marketplace and the WomenIN platform.

The bank will also spotlight inspiring success stories of women-led businesses that have flourished through its enterprise development programmes—showcasing real examples of progress and empowerment. “We’re not just showing up for the two days. We’re creating long-term pathways for women to connect, lead, and build lasting financial independence,” Sykes explained.

According to her, FNB’s involvement reflects its track record of building tailored platforms, resources, and support systems for women in business. “This partnership takes our commitment even further,” she noted.

Nazlee Fredericks-Maharaj, founder of WomenIN, described the collaboration as a defining moment in women’s empowerment. “This is more than an event—it’s a movement and a call to action,” she said. “Together with FNB, we’re creating space for women to dream bigger, grow stronger, and connect in ways that build confidence, financial literacy, and the practical skills needed for success.”

Women entrepreneurs, professionals, and supporters are invited to attend the WomenIN Festival 2025 and participate in FNB’s dedicated sessions, as well as ongoing educational programmes and initiatives available through the bank’s digital platforms.

“This is more than a partnership—it’s a movement,” Sykes concluded. “We invite every woman to step into her power, connect, and grow with us. Whether you’re building a business, leading a team, supporting your family, or shaping your future, FNB is your partner in progress.”

AWIEF 2025 honours Africa’s top women innovators in Cape Town

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The Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) hosted a spectacular celebration of women’s achievements at the 2025 AWIEF Awards, held on Friday evening in Cape Town.

The glittering ceremony honoured eight outstanding African women entrepreneurs and leaders whose initiatives are transforming industries, driving sustainability, and promoting inclusive growth across the continent.

Since its establishment in 2016, the AWIEF Awards have become a powerful platform for recognising excellence and inspiring women in business and leadership. The initiative not only celebrates success but also nurtures future innovators and changemakers, building a collaborative pan-African network of impact-driven women.

This year’s winners and finalists represented a wide range of sectors — from technology and agriculture to energy, creative arts, and social enterprise — united by their commitment to advancing Africa’s economic transformation through innovation.

The Awards concluded the two-day AWIEF 2025 Conference, which gathered over 500 delegates from more than 50 countries for discussions, exhibitions, masterclasses, and networking sessions.

Read Also: West Africa’s Energy leaders to convene in Accra for clean energy cooperation summit

2025 AWIEF Award Winners:

  • Young Entrepreneur Award: Norah Kimathi – Zerobionic, Kenya
  • Empowerment Award: Mampho Sotshongaye – Golden Rewards 1981, South Africa
  • Energy Entrepreneur Award: Nidal Tafah – MIRRIAH, Morocco
  • Creative Industry Award: Soraya da Piedade – Soraya da Piedade LDA, Angola
  • Social Entrepreneur Award: Farana Boodhram – MiDesk Global, South Africa
  • Agri Entrepreneur Award (Sponsored by OCP Africa): Linda Davis – Giraffe Bioenergy, Kenya
  • Tech Entrepreneur Award: Maryanne Gichanga – AgriTech Analytics, Kenya
  • Lifetime Achievement Award: Audrey Joe-Ezigbo – CEO, Falcon Corporation, Nigeria

Voices of Inspiration

For Angolan designer Soraya da Piedade, winner of the Creative Industry Award, the recognition marks a defining moment in her journey.

“I’m deeply honoured and grateful to AWIEF for creating platforms where we celebrate women’s creativity and leadership,” she said. “This award reminds me that when we create from a place of passion and purpose, we inspire others to dream bigger.”

Kenya’s Linda Davis, CEO of Giraffe Bioenergy and winner of the Agri Entrepreneur Award, described the moment as “surreal.”

“AWIEF has given women like me a powerful space to share our work and be recognised for driving change in our communities,” she said. “This win belongs to every woman farmer and entrepreneur working to build a sustainable Africa.”

West Africa’s Energy leaders to convene in Accra for clean energy cooperation summit

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West Africa’s leading energy stakeholders are set to gather in Accra for the West Africa Energy Cooperation Summit (WAECS) 2025, scheduled for 2–3 December 2025, to advance dialogue on clean energy, regional power integration, and sustainable development.

The Ghana Ministry of Energy and Green Transition has been confirmed as Patron of the event, reaffirming the country’s leadership in regional energy transformation and its ambition to become a hub for power distribution across West Africa.

This year’s summit is supported by major partners including the African Trade & Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI) as Lead Sponsor, alongside Endeavour Energy and Denham Capital, highlighting their shared commitment to driving renewable energy investments and regional cooperation.

“ATIDI is expanding its support for sustainable investments that enhance energy access and economic growth across Africa,” said Aliyu Alhassan Yahaya, RLSF Underwriter at ATIDI. “Through tools like the Regional Liquidity Support Facility, we help Independent Power Producers mitigate payment risks, boosting investor confidence in the clean energy space.”

WAECS 2025 will bring together government officials, investors, and industry leaders to explore opportunities in renewables, gas-to-power, regional interconnectivity, and digitalisation of energy systems. Discussions will focus on de-risking clean energy projects, strengthening power trade, modernising transmission infrastructure, and accelerating private sector involvement in off-grid and distributed energy markets.

The event aligns with Ghana’s Energy Transition Framework, which targets net-zero emissions by 2070 through renewable expansion, energy efficiency, and investment-friendly policies. Natural gas remains central to the country’s transition strategy, supporting reliable baseload power and industrial growth while enabling regional trade.

Among the distinguished participants are Liberia’s Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Ghana’s Minister for Energy & Green Transition John Abdulai Jinapor, Nigeria’s Minister for Solid Minerals Development Dr. Dele Alake, Gambia’s Minister of Petroleum, Energy & Mines Nani Juwara, and Lagos State Commissioner for Energy & Mineral Resources Biodun Ogunleye.

They will be joined by top regional utility and regulatory executives, including representatives from Ghana’s Volta River Authority, Transmission Company of Nigeria, GNPC, and Tema Oil Refinery, as well as industry leaders from Gridworks Partners, Wärtsilä, SEforALL, and Stanbic Bank Ghana.

Read Also: Energy Summit to connect investors with African opportunities

Minister Jinapor expressed Ghana’s pride in hosting the event, saying:

“Ghana is committed to regional energy cooperation, sustainable development, and a just energy transition. We are honoured to host WAECS 2025, which will shape the future of clean energy in West Africa.”

Running alongside the summit will be YES! On The Road Ghana (3–4 December 2025), a youth-focused initiative designed to equip young professionals with mentorship, skills, and opportunities to lead Africa’s energy transition.

Held under the theme “Building Regional Resilience,” WAECS 2025 will serve as a key platform to accelerate investment, innovation, and collaboration toward a sustainable energy future for West Africa.

AfDB, Congo strengthen partnership for economic growth, integration

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The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) and the Republic of Congo have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in economic diversification, infrastructure, energy, and regional integration, ahead of the Bank’s 2026 Annual Meetings to be held in Brazzaville.

A high-level AfDB delegation, led by Senior Vice President Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbade, visited Congo from October 26 to 28, 2025, to discuss strategic development priorities and review progress on key joint projects. The delegation met with President Denis Sassou Nguesso and senior government officials, emphasizing the strong partnership between the Bank and the Congolese government.

Talks centered on implementing Congo’s 2022–2026 National Development Plan, which focuses on economic transformation through diversification, energy expansion, and regional trade integration. The discussions also reviewed preparations for the AfDB Annual Meetings scheduled for May 2026 in Brazzaville.

During the visit, the delegation held meetings with Jean Jacques Bouya, Minister of State for Land Use Planning and Public Works, and Ludovic Ngatsé, Minister of Planning, Statistics, and Regional Integration. The team also toured the national data centre project in Brazzaville, financed by the AfDB, accompanied by Minister Ngatsé and Léon Juste Ibombo, Minister of Post, Telecommunications, and the Digital Economy.

Read Also: AfDB, Angola launch $125m project to boost youth entrepreneurship

Minister Ngatsé, who serves as the AfDB Governor for the Republic of Congo, described the visit as “a new stage in the exemplary partnership between the Republic of Congo and the African Development Bank.”

“We welcome the Bank’s continued support for our vision of economic diversification, agricultural transformation, and regional integration, which are central to Congo’s future prosperity,” he said.

AfDB Senior Vice President Akin-Olugbade praised Congo’s progress and reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to supporting transformative projects.

“Our discussions focused on flagship initiatives in transport, energy, and agriculture, as well as regional programs that will strengthen economic integration and support the African Continental Free Trade Area, starting in Central Africa,” she stated.

Preparations for the 2026 Annual Meetings are being coordinated by a National Preparatory Committee led by Minister Bouya. A memorandum of understanding for hosting the meetings was signed in September 2025, a milestone that underscores Congo’s dedication to the event’s success.

The Annual Meetings are expected to spotlight Congo’s economic potential, infrastructure progress, and reform agenda, while positioning Brazzaville as a key destination for regional investment dialogue.

With an active portfolio of $223 million—focused on sovereign operations—the AfDB continues to support infrastructure and integration projects such as the Ndendé-Dolisie and Ketta-Djoum road corridors and the rollout of fibre-optic networks linking Congo with Cameroon and the Central African Republic.

The Bank is also advancing agricultural diversification through initiatives like the Integrated Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (PRODIVAC) and the expansion of Protected Agricultural Zones (ZAPs) to enhance food security, create jobs, and empower women and youth.

Senegal’s Energy Minister to spotlight investment prospects at MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025

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Senegal’s Minister of Energy, Petroleum and Mines, Birame Soulèye Diop, will lead discussions on investment opportunities and energy transformation at the upcoming MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 Conference and Exhibition, scheduled to take place in Dakar from December 8–10, 2025.

Minister Diop is expected to highlight Senegal’s latest oil and gas milestones and outline how current developments are reshaping regional energy dynamics. His presentation will also explore strategies to attract new investments that will strengthen Senegal’s role as a hub for industrialization and sustainable energy growth.

Following the successful launch of the Sangomar oilfield project in 2024 and the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) gas project earlier this year, Senegal is entering a new phase of energy expansion. Plans are underway to bring GTA to full operational capacity and advance its second phase, expected to boost production to five million tons annually. The government is also seeking partners to develop the deep-water offshore Yakaar-Teranga gas field, which holds an estimated 25 trillion cubic feet of gas.

In alignment with Senegal Vision 2050, the Ministry of Energy, Petroleum and Mines is modernizing the nation’s regulatory and fiscal frameworks to attract long-term investors. A comprehensive review of investment, gas, oil, mining, and electricity codes is currently underway to create a stable and investor-friendly environment that also safeguards local interests.

Read Also: Ghana to host West Africa energy cooperation summit 2025

Infrastructure development remains central to Senegal’s energy agenda. The state-owned Réseau Gazier du Sénégal is constructing a $1 billion, 400-kilometre national gas pipeline network connecting key offshore fields like GTA and Yakaar-Teranga to industrial and power hubs across the country. Once completed, the network—capable of transporting up to 2.5 billion cubic meters of gas annually—will enable the transition of power plants from fuel oil and coal to natural gas, cutting both energy costs and carbon emissions.

On the downstream front, Senegal is pursuing the SAR 2.0 refinery expansion project, which aims to boost refining capacity from 1.5 million to 5.5 million tons per year by 2029. The $2–$5 billion investment will help meet domestic fuel demand and position Senegal as a major exporter of refined petroleum products within West Africa.

“Ongoing developments underscore Senegal’s growing role as a hub for energy investment within the MSGBC region,” said Sandra Jeque, Project Director at Energy Capital & Power. “Minister Diop’s participation at the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 Conference will be pivotal in linking high-impact projects with strategic investors and driving the next phase of the country’s energy evolution.”

For participation and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.MSGBCOilGasAndPower.com
or contact sales@energycapitalpower.com
.

Mukuru, JUMO partner to launch AI-powered credit solution in South Africa

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Mukuru, a leading next-generation financial services platform, has partnered with AI-powered banking technology provider JUMO to introduce Fast Loan — a responsible, mobile-first credit solution aimed at improving access to financial services for millions of South Africans excluded from formal credit systems.

According to TransUnion, about 16.8 million South Africans remain outside the formal credit ecosystem due to irregular incomes and a lack of traditional credit histories. The new Fast Loan product seeks to bridge this gap by offering fair and transparent short-term loans powered by JUMO’s AI-driven credit infrastructure and delivered through Mukuru’s trusted customer network.

Available via WhatsApp, Fast Loan allows customers to borrow between R100 and R8,000, repayable over 30 days, with instant disbursements to their Mukuru Cards. Funds can be used across digital channels, including online shopping and POS transactions, or withdrawn as cash at over 11,000 Mukuru retail partner outlets such as Spar, Pick ’n Pay, Boxer, and Shoprite.

Loan pricing is transparent, with an 11.5% initiation fee and interest in arrears—5% for first-time loans and 3% thereafter. Borrowers who repay early pay no interest, promoting responsible borrowing. All loans are reported to credit bureaus to help customers build formal credit profiles.

Read Also: Africa Data Centres, Wingu Africa partner to boost Pan-African connectivity

Mukuru Group CEO Andy Jury said the new product was developed through years of experience in South Africa’s informal economy.

“Fast Loan reflects our understanding of how our customers earn, transact, and manage financial pressure. Partnering with JUMO allows us to scale this offering responsibly, combining trust, technology, and insight to deliver meaningful financial solutions where they’re needed most,” he said.

JUMO Founder and CEO Andrew Watkins-Ball added that the partnership strengthens JUMO’s commitment to ethical financial inclusion.

“We are proud to work with Andy and the Mukuru team. Their products are relied upon by millions of customers, and we’ll continue to provide the technology infrastructure they need to deliver even more value,” he said.

JUMO’s ethical lending technology, which powers Fast Loan, has earned a 92.2% score in the Cerise + SPTF Customer Protection Certification—one of the highest in the industry.

Beyond providing immediate access to credit, Fast Loan will also generate insights into customer borrowing and repayment patterns, helping both companies design future financial solutions with longer terms, higher limits, and flexible repayment options.

Africa Data Centres, Wingu Africa partner to boost Pan-African connectivity

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Africa Data Centres, the continent’s largest network of interconnected data facilities, has entered into a strategic partnership with Wingu Africa, East Africa’s leading provider of carrier-neutral, Tier III-standard data centres.

The collaboration marks a major milestone in Africa’s digital transformation journey, linking key East African markets — Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Tanzania — with Africa Data Centres’ extensive operations across South, West, and Central Africa.

The partnership establishes a unified digital platform that enables enterprises and service providers to expand securely and efficiently across multiple African regions. By connecting their respective networks, both companies aim to deliver a seamless experience for businesses seeking scalable, reliable, and interconnected data infrastructure.

For Wingu Africa, the alliance represents a significant leap from being a regional leader to a continental player, giving its customers streamlined access to new territories through Africa Data Centres’ footprint in seven additional markets. In turn, Africa Data Centres gains a stronger presence in East Africa, tapping into three of the region’s most dynamic and strategically important economies.

Read Also: Nigeria to host United Nations digital governance conference for first time

“This partnership marks an important milestone for Wingu Africa and East Africa’s digital ecosystem,” said Demos Kyriacou, Deputy CEO, COO and Co-Founder of Wingu Africa. “By connecting our infrastructure with Africa Data Centres’ extensive network, we enable enterprises to operate across borders with the reliability and resilience they expect. It’s about making Africa’s digital economy easier to access, more predictable, and globally competitive.”

Africa Data Centres’ customers will benefit from Djibouti’s submarine cable gateway, Ethiopia’s expanding digital economy, and Tanzania’s growing cloud and mobile services sector — all critical to advancing Africa’s digital connectivity.

“Africa’s digital transformation depends on collaboration and scale,” added Adil El Youssefi, CEO of Africa Data Centres. “Partnering with Wingu Africa allows us to extend our reach into rapidly growing East African markets, while giving Wingu customers access to our pan-African platform. Together, we’re building an interconnected ecosystem that supports innovation, investment, and inclusive growth.”

Beyond commercial benefits, the partnership supports national digital transformation agendas across Africa by promoting cloud adoption, fintech growth, and data localisation initiatives. It also aligns with the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy (2020–2030), which calls for inclusive, secure, and scalable digital platforms as the foundation for long-term economic development.

The collaboration positions East Africa as a central gateway for global digital investment and reinforces Africa’s collective capacity to compete in the global digital economy.

Africa Tech Festival 2025 set to unite global innovators in Cape Town

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As Africa’s digital transformation gathers pace, South Africa is gearing up to host the 28th edition of the Africa Tech Festival from November 11 to 13, 2025, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).

Now recognized as Africa’s tech capital, Cape Town and the broader Western Cape region have become the heart of the continent’s innovation economy. The Cape Town–Stellenbosch tech corridor is home to over 450 technology companies and employs nearly 40,000 professionals, supported by a growing network of incubators, accelerators, investors, and training institutions.

With more than 60% of South Africa’s startups based in the city, Cape Town leads in venture capital activity and continues to attract global firms thanks to its skilled workforce, world-class universities, robust infrastructure, and business-friendly environment. Its advanced digital networks, renewable energy initiatives, and thriving innovation ecosystem have positioned the city as a model for technology-driven growth and sustainability.

Read Also: AfDB approves $6m grant to boost disaster risk management across Africa

“Cape Town isn’t just where the Africa Tech Festival happens. The city embodies the collaboration and ingenuity that define Africa’s tech story. We look forward to welcoming the continent’s industry leaders and innovators to participate in a forum for conversations and connections that elevate African tech onto the global stage,” said Kadi Diallo, Portfolio Manager for Africa Tech Festival.

The festival remains Africa’s largest platform for enterprise technology and innovation, spanning key sectors such as telecommunications, connectivity, cloud computing, cybersecurity, green ICT, and digital media. The 2025 event will draw over 15,000 global attendees, 300 exhibitors, and 450 speakers, connecting Africa’s local tech ecosystem with international investors, policymakers, and innovators.

This year’s edition will bring together the festival’s four flagship programmes — AfricaCom, AfricaTech, AfricaIgnite, and The AI Summit Cape Town — under one unified theme that promotes responsible, inclusive, and sustainable growth. The event will highlight how digital transformation, entrepreneurship, policy, and artificial intelligence can collectively accelerate Africa’s development goals.

IsDB Institute, LSEG launch report on Islamic finance, development traps

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The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI), in partnership with the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG), has unveiled a landmark report examining how Islamic finance can help developing countries overcome key structural barriers to growth.

The report, titled “Development Traps and the Role of Islamic Finance: An Introduction to Development Challenges Facing IsDB Member Countries,” was launched during the 20th AAOIFI-IsDB Annual Islamic Banking and Finance Conference in Manama, Bahrain.

According to IsDBI, the publication is the first in a new Development Traps Report Series—a flagship initiative developed with LSEG to identify and address five major obstacles to long-term development: the Middle-Income Trap, Natural Resources Trap, SMEs and MSMEs Trap, Debt Trap, and Technology Trap.

Drawing on data from over 20 international institutions, including the World Bank, IMF, UNDP, WIPO, OPEC, and ILO, the report presents a data-driven framework integrating Islamic finance tools such as sukuk, waqf, mudarabah, and zakat. It highlights how these Sharīʿah-compliant instruments can support inclusive economic transformation across member countries.

Acting Director-General of the IsDB Institute, Dr. Sami Al-Suwailem, described the report as a milestone in guiding policymakers toward sustainable solutions.

Read Also: DWL 2025 wraps up, reinforces Lagos’ position as Africa’s creative capital

“This report series provides early warning signals to help member countries avoid structural traps and leverage the full potential of Islamic finance for inclusive growth,” he said.
He added that the collaboration with LSEG bridges “the analytical rigor of global capital markets with the ethical and risk-sharing foundations of Islamic finance.”

Mustafa Adil, Head of Islamic Finance at LSEG, noted that the partnership underscores the power of data and innovation in addressing development challenges.

“Islamic finance is not only ethical, it is strategically positioned to deliver impact in emerging economies,” he said.

The report also includes contributions from global experts such as Dr. Bambang Brodjonegoro, Dean of the Asian Development Bank Institute, and Dr. Mahmoud Mohieldin, UN Special Envoy on Financing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Subsequent volumes in the series will explore each development trap in detail. The next edition, focusing on the Middle-Income Trap, will examine economic diversification, productivity, and human capital through the lens of Islamic finance.

DWL 2025 wraps up, reinforces Lagos’ position as Africa’s creative capital

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The 2025 edition of Design Week Lagos (DWL) has officially concluded, marking the festival’s most ambitious and influential outing yet. Held from October 23–28, 2025, the six-day event transformed Lagos into a citywide celebration of African creativity and innovation under the theme “Made in Africa: Shaping Industries, Shaping Futures.”

This year’s festival solidified Lagos’ position as Africa’s creative capital and highlighted the city’s growing reputation as a hub for design tourism and innovation on the global stage.

A Global Gathering of Creative Visionaries

DWL 2025 brought together a distinguished roster of designers, artists, architects, and policymakers from across Africa and beyond. Notable speakers included Bibi Seck, Victoria Adesanmi, Myles Igwebuike, Yew Kee Cheong (President, AIA), and Astrid Hébert (3C Awards).

The festival featured over 100 activations and showrooms spread across Victoria Island, Ikoyi, Lekki, and Yaba. Key highlights included the Design + Innovation Exhibition, Made by Design Show, and partner events such as Roots & Resilience at the Federal Palace Hotel, Design Intersect 2025 at Soto Gallery, and the launch of the Institute of Professional Interior Designers & Product Inventors (IPIDPI) at Alliance Française.

Read Also: Canon Young People Programme marks 10 years of youth empowerment

A Milestone for Nigeria’s Design Industry

The establishment of IPIDPI marked a historic milestone for the Nigerian design ecosystem. The new body will serve as the regulatory and licensing authority for interior design and product invention in Nigeria, setting standards for education and professional practice.

In addition, the Student Design Competition, held in partnership with Caverton Marine, challenged young designers to develop innovative ideas around maritime mobility—underscoring DWL’s commitment to nurturing future talent.

Government Support and Industry Alignment

The 2025 edition was anchored by the Lagos State Government and supported by the Federal Ministry of Tourism. Declaring the festival open, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, commended DWL for aligning with the state’s vision to make Lagos a global destination for creativity and design-driven growth.

Celebrating African Design Excellence

Reflecting on the festival’s success, Titi Ogufere, Founder of Design Week Lagos, said:

“It has been an extraordinary journey since our debut in 2019. This year reaffirmed our mission that design is a powerful language—one that tells our stories, shapes our economies, and connects Lagos to the global conversation on creativity and innovation. Design tourism holds immense potential not just for Lagos and Nigeria, but for the entire continent.”

A Platform for Global Visibility

DWL 2025 concluded on a high note, reinforcing the city’s growing influence in the global design landscape and positioning Lagos as Africa’s leading festival of design. With its blend of innovation, cultural expression, and collaboration, the festival continues to serve as a driving force for creative growth and economic opportunity across the continent.