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.
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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.
