The Africa International Design Awards 2026 (AIDA) proudly revealed the winners of its inaugural edition, showcasing exceptional designs that draw inspiration from African cultures, communities and contexts. Significantly, this prestigious event took place in Cotonou, Benin, and attracted over 300 submissions from 40 countries, including 24 from across the African continent. Moreover, a 41-member international jury, led by Senegalese industrial designer Bibi Seck, evaluated the entries and recognised outstanding achievements in innovation, sustainability and cultural resonance in design.

A platform for African-centred creativity

Astrid Hébert developed AIDA, and 3C Awards runs the programme to recognise excellence across four key disciplines: spatial design, product design, fashion design and communication design. Furthermore, the jury carefully evaluated entries based on aesthetic and technical merit, cultural significance, sustainability, social impact and innovation. In addition, organisers have scheduled the awards ceremony and associated conferences to take place in Cotonou, Benin, at the end of July 2026. Consequently, this event promises to be a significant milestone in celebrating African-centred creativity and innovation.

2026 AIDA winners: A celebration of excellence

Architectural Design of the Year: Bidi Bidi Performing Arts Centre by Localworks. This community-built centre in Uganda serves over 270 000 South Sudanese refugees and was praised for its low-carbon humanitarian architecture.

Architectural Designer of the Year: Nicole Moyo for Pearl Jam, a public art installation inspired by Ndebele beading traditions.

Emerging Architect of the Year: François Abatan for OGOUN: Goddess of Iron and Courage, a contemporary reinterpretation of a Vodoun temple in Benin.

Product design

Product Design of the Year: Stitched, a story of our home, by South Africa’s own Tracy Lynch and Cebo Mvubu, a collection translating hand-stitched embroidery into interior design.

Product Designer of the Year: Terry Aidoo for the Kabila Collection, furniture inspired by African home courtyards.

Emerging Product Designer of the Year: Didier Stéphane Kingnide Gnonlonfoun for Sport Can, a device converting plastic waste into footballs.

Fashion design

Fashion Design of the Year: The Rowe by Charles Johnson, World Shoe, Inc.

Fashion Designer of the Year: Ghizlaine Elmanjra for The Baazz Sneaker, a luxury brand rooted in craft heritage.

Communication design

Communication Design of the Year: UE au Sénégal – Baie de Hann by Ag Partners Publicis Africa Group, an ecological awareness campaign for Hann Bay, Dakar.

Communication Designer of the Year: Tshepo Masilo for BIC I Love Africa Pocket Lighter Series.

Emerging Communication Designer of the Year: Annabelle Armstrong for Becoming a Beacon, an editorial project mapping Nelson Mandela’s life.

Vision and support

The awards were judged by a diverse panel of designers, cultural leaders, and educators from Africa and the diaspora. AIDA is supported by the Africa Design School, L’École de Design Nantes Atlantique, the African Fashion Foundation, and numerous programme partners, including African Female Architects, Design Week Lagos and the Pan Afrikan Design Institute (PADI).