A new voice for African design on the world stage
Africa’s creative scene is booming, and for the first time an internationally renowned platform has been set up to celebrate it. Visit Africa International Design Awards (AIDA)officially launched in July 2025 in Cotonou, Benin, are a powerful voice and a unique springboard for the continent’s talent.
Strategic collaboration for global impact
These ambitious awards are the fruit of a strategic collaboration between the 3C Awards Groupa global reference in the promotion of design, and theAfrica Design Schoolthe first design school in West Africa. Together, they have created an event that honors not only African designers, but also international creators whose work is deeply rooted in Africa’s cultural and environmental context.
The main aim of the AIDAs is to unearth and highlight innovative projects that respond to the continent’s unique social, economic and environmental challenges. Far from the traditional catwalks, the AIDA awards seek out creations that combine aesthetic excellence, functionality and commitment.
A panorama of African creativity
The AIDA Award recognizes excellence in four major disciplines:
- Spatial Design (architecture, interior design)
- Product Design (furniture, everyday objects)
- Communication Design (graphic design, multimedia)
- Fashion Design (clothing, accessories)
The AIDA Awards recognize the power of fashion as a cultural language, and encourage designs that embody identity, purpose and sustainability, far from being mere trends. It’s an opportunity for African fashion to demonstrate its ingenuity and assert itself as a major player in global innovation.
Applications are now open, and professionals and students are invited to submit their projects for a chance to win an AIDA award. The awards ceremony will take place on July 25, 2026. To share your project and be part of this celebration of African creativity, visit the official website : africainternationaldesignawards.com.
Participating and celebrating excellence
With a jury of international experts, the AIDA Awards promise to bridge the gap between emerging talent and established professionals, while fostering collaborations that go beyond existing models. It’s a movement that starts now, and is destined to shape the future of design in Africa and beyond.
Photo: 1 Bibi Seck, 2 : Jury member Selly Raby Kane
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