Titi Ogufere Advocates for Funding in Africa's Design Sector

At the official press briefing for Design Week Lagos 2026, stakeholders in the design and creative industries urged for increased financing, enhanced design education, and stronger collaboration between manufacturers and designers. The event, running from October 18 to 25, is themed “Making a New Africa: From Material to Market.” Titi Ogufere, founder of Design Week Lagos, highlighted the initiative's goal to address gaps in Nigeria's design industry, such as inadequate professional training and limited product development.

She noted the significant economic potential of the industry, which remains underdeveloped despite Africa's rich resources. Ogufere stated that the initiative collaborates with manufacturers and designers to develop products and showcase Nigerian brands.

She called for greater government investment in design education and local materials development. Ogufere also expressed concern over limited institutional support for initiatives like the Design and Innovation Exhibition, which aids emerging designers in creating prototypes and connecting with manufacturers.