In the vibrant heart of Lagos, Nigeria, something extraordinary is taking shape. Critical design thinker Titi Ogufere has created a powerful movement that's transforming how Africa views its creative future, and the results are nothing short of remarkable.

At the 2025 edition of Design Week Lagos, held at the elegant Federal Palace Hotel in Victoria Island, history was made when representatives from 15 African countries gathered to sign the African Interior Design Charter. This landmark achievement represents far more than signatures on paper. It's a unifying framework that connects creative minds across an entire continent, fostering collaboration and innovation on an unprecedented scale.

Ogufere's vision extends beyond simple exhibitions. She understands that Nigeria's abundant creative youth population holds the key to the nation's industrial future. "Design Week Lagos is a city-wide celebration of design, innovations, and the creative spirit shaping Africa's future," she explains with evident passion. What started as a dream to build recognizable design culture has evolved into a thriving ecosystem where brilliant ideas transform into sustainable industries and creativity fuels economic growth.

The numbers tell an inspiring story. Last year's event welcomed 120 exhibitors who proudly showcased 210 pieces representing fresh, innovative thinking. The theme, Made in Africa: Shaping Industries, Shaping Futures, perfectly captured the event's ambitious mission to demonstrate how design drives progress across the continent.

Drawing from her experience living in the United Kingdom, Ogufere recognized the transformative power of design-focused initiatives and committed herself to bringing this model home. "The world was built by designers, inventors and creators," she notes wisely. "People don't pay attention to creators but it's the new oil."

The Ripple Effect extends far beyond the exhibition halls. Ogufere partnered with the Association of Consulting Architects and Interior Designers Association of Nigeria to host the Dialogue in Design and Development, bringing together developers, architects, and policymakers in meaningful conversation. This collaborative approach ensures that creative innovation receives the attention and support it deserves at every level.

Since launching in 2019, Design Week Lagos has become an essential platform for both established innovators and emerging talent to showcase their creativity across architecture, interior design, product design, and more. The initiative addresses a crucial need: industrializing Africa's design sector starting from Nigeria's creative foundation.

Ogufere's message to government and industry leaders rings clear and hopeful. "If we want Nigeria to industrialize, we need the designers and manufacturers." Her work demonstrates that investing in creative talent isn't just culturally enriching, it's economically essential. By creating spaces where visionaries converge to imagine a new African design language, she's proving that creativity truly can power transformation and shape brighter futures for millions across the continent.