The Design and Innovation Exhibition 2025 has opened to great enthusiasm at the Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC) in Lagos, drawing a large audience of young innovators, industry leaders, and stakeholders from the creative sector. The event, which runs from February 25 to March 2, highlights the vast potential within Nigeria’s manufacturing and design industries.
Titi Ogufere, founder of Design Week Lagos, emphasized the exhibition’s role in celebrating Nigerian creativity and talent while advocating for stronger government and financial support to help designers compete on a global scale. She pointed out that the global design industry is worth hundreds of billions of dollars and stressed that with the right backing, Nigerian designers could secure a stronger presence in the market.
“This exhibition is a testament to the talent and hard work happening in Nigeria’s creative industries. We’re here to showcase the potential of our local designers and manufacturers,” Ogufere said. “The global furniture market alone is valued at over $700 billion, and Nigerian designers can carve out a significant share of that.”
Themed “Building a Made-in-Nigeria Brand,” the exhibition focuses on promoting local creativity, innovation, and craftsmanship while reinforcing the importance of industrialization and exports. It aims to foster a sustainable ecosystem that supports homegrown talent and drives economic growth across Africa.
Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, attended the exhibition and highlighted the need to strengthen the connection between Nigerian creativity and manufacturing. She reiterated the federal government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote locally-made products and enhance the creative economy.
Also speaking at the event, Bolaji Lawal, Managing Director and Regional Executive of Ecobank Nigeria, reaffirmed the bank’s dedication to supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the creative sector. Represented by Omoboye Odu, Head of SME, Partnerships, and Collaboration, Lawal noted that fostering partnerships with platforms like Design Week Lagos is crucial for scaling Nigerian businesses and boosting economic transformation.
The exhibition features 58 designers, showcasing collaborations between manufacturers and creatives, offering a glimpse into the future of Nigerian design. As attendees explore the innovative works on display, the event reinforces the country’s potential to establish itself as a major player in the global design industry.