Africa’s design calendar is no longer emerging; it’s expanding rapidly and changing the way the continent’s industry connects.
From Nairobi to Maputo, Joburg to Lagos and Dakar, platforms across the continent are building ecosystems, visibility and serious creative momentum.
These are the events we’re watching in 2026 — not because they’re the biggest, but because they’re shaping conversations.
Which one is on your calendar? Let us know in the comments if we missed any.
Africa is a generator of ideas 💡
Join Omar Degan, Founder and Curator of the Pan-African Biennale, as he explores how architecture can shape resilient communities, reclaim agency and reimagine African cities and futures.
Degan’s work transforms design into a tool for resilience and identity.
Come sit with us and be part of the conversation ✨
🎙️ A conversation with Omar Devan (@degan_omar@biennale_africa )
📅 Sunday, 15th March 2026 ⏰ 4.30 PM – 5.00 PM 📍Alliance Française Nairobi (Wangari Maathai Auditorium)
🎫 Alliance Française students enter free, just bring your student ID
Prices: 1500KES for adults | 750KES for U18s & students
#NDW2026
#NairobiDesignWeek2026
#LetsBeHuman
#NairobiDesignWeek
The Nairobi Design Week 2026 festival guide 🥳
Follow a city-wide trail of exhibits, talks, workshops and installations, each one exploring what it truly means to be human.
Come, walk, wander and discover the threads that tie our creative city together 💫
This is your chance to be part of an extraordinary celebration of humanity, diversity and creativity.
Because design doesn’t live in galleries alone; it thrives in our streets, our stories and our shared energy.
👥 Networking opportunities available
🎫 Festival passes valid for all 9 days at all venues
Prices: 1500KES for adults / 750KES for U18s & students
🟫 Nairobi Design Week 2026: Let's Be Human
📅 March 7 - 15, 2026
📍 Diba Studios | Alliance Française Nairobi | The German Cultural Institute in Nairobi | Visit Ngara
🕒 Diba Studios & Visit Ngara: 10am–5pm
🕒 Goethe‑Institut & Alliance Française: 10am–8pm
Come find your favourite corner of Nairobi Design Week 2026 🪄
During the Nairobi Design Week we spoke with the three co-founders of Zienya Blooms about their company, their experience at their event and their relationship with their clients. Enjoy🥂
This is the last entry in a series that sought to peer into the future of Kenyan design through the stories of the next generation of Storytellers.
Director and DoP - Aaron Baraka ( @makatia.ab )
Edited and Coloured by - Aaron Baraka ( @makatia.ab )
Talent - Agnes Nyareso ( @senga_oserayn ) - Beryl Wabomba ( @_.bulind.aah_ ) - Shirley Kacchwaha ( @_kacchwaha )
Can fashion also be ministry? 👗✨
This week on MAVAZY PODCAST, Ashley Njeri opens up about building Miss Njeri Fashion House where creativity, faith, and purpose come together.
From designing garments to spreading messages of hope and identity, this is a conversation about fashion beyond aesthetics.
🎙️ Full episode now live on YouTube & Spotify.
📍Link in bio.
#MAVAZY #AshleyNjeri #FaithAndFashion #AfricanFashion #KenyanCreatives #FashionCulture #ChristianCreatives
During Nairobi Design Week 2026, we sat down with Gandani Carlton, the creator behind Ngamani, to explore storytelling through therapeutic design and the reclamation of our personal narratives.
"How do we embrace our rebellion and use our 'horns' as a tool for liberation?"
This series is more than a profile; it is a lens into the future of Kenyan design, seen through the collaborative spirit of the next generation of storytellers.
Director and D.P - Aaron Makatia ( @makatia.ab )
Edited and Coloured by - Aaron Makatia ( @makatia.ab )
Talent - Gandani Carlton ( @gandanicarlton )
During Nairobi Design Week 2026, we also sat down with Fatuma Kibwana, one of the co-founders of The Swahili Kollective to explore authentic coastal experiences and the empowerment of marginalized communities.
"How do we uplift our community through self-representation and authentic cultural connection?"
This series is more than a profile; it is a lens into the future of Kenyan design, seen through the collaborative spirit of the next generation of storytellers.
Director and D.P - Aaron Baraka ( @makatia.ab )
Edited and Coloured by - Aaron Baraka ( @makatia.ab )
Talent - Fatuma Kibwana ( @swahiliyart.ke )
During Nairobi Design Week 2026, we sat down with Dean Gichukie, the co-founder and C.E.O of Kunta Content to explore interactive design and the ambition to fill the gap for high-quality African video games.
"How do we use our interactive choices to tell the epic stories of our culture?"
This series is more than a profile; it is a lens into the future of African digital design, seen through the collaborative spirit of the next generation of storytellers.
Director and D.P - Aaron Baraka ( @makatia.ab )
Edited and Coloured by - Aaron Baraka ( @makatia.ab )
Talent - Dean Gichukie ( @deangichukie )
Episode 3 of #mavazypodcast featuring @kauwri is out now. Streaming on all digital platforms. Links on BIO.
V.O: @ankaliray
#mavazypodcast #fashionpodcast #podcast
During Nairobi Design Week 2026, we sat down with Mumbi Odhiambo, the founder of Zubery Brand to explore traditional beadwork and contemporary identity.
"How do we use our crafts to reclaim our power?"
This series is more than a profile; it is a lens into the future of Kenyan design, seen through the collaborative spirit of the next generation of storytellers.
Director and D.P - Aaron Baraka ( @makatia.ab )
Edited and Coloured by - Aaron Baraka @makatia.ab )
Talent - Mumbi Odhiambo ( @m.u.mbi )
#nairobidesign #ZuberyBrand #kenyancraft #africanmaximalism #visualstorytelling #sustainablefashion #ABMedia
Upcylced denim pants with Upcylced reversable half coat custom made for @adrianj.ig (founder of nairobi design week), for @nairobidesign_
Strides of sustainability and fashion
!!!The pants are open for orders!!!
Filmed by @picha254
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#fashion #kenyandesigner #Sustainability #missnjerifashionhouse
