Africa International Design Awards 2026: Winners Showcase Continent's Diverse Design Directions
In 2026, the first-ever Africa International Design Awards (AIDA) revealed its initial winners after receiving more than 300 submissions. The jury, comprising 41 members and led by Senegalese designer Bibi Seck, assessed entries across Spatial, Product, Fashion, and Communication Design categories. AIDA aims to counteract the Eurocentric focus of other awards. Terry Aidoo was honored as Product Designer of the Year for the Kabila Collection, which draws inspiration from African courtyards. Sonnenglas® introduced the SOMO Solar Lighting System to combat energy poverty with a solar and USB-C rechargeable light. Additionally, Alkaline's WAYST Pendant 01 utilizes demolition waste, while the IO Stool, designed by Zoë Chinonso Ene for Homenkà, features Igbo motifs, showcasing a blend of cultural heritage and modern design.
Key facts
- The Africa International Design Awards (AIDA) held its first edition in 2026, with over 300 entries.
- The jury comprised 41 members, chaired by Senegalese industrial designer Bibi Seck.
- AIDA covers four disciplines: Spatial Design, Product Design, Fashion Design, and Communication Design.
- Terry Aidoo won Product Designer of the Year for the Kabila Collection, inspired by the African home courtyard.
- The Kabila Collection uses sapele wood from Nigeria and is finished in Italian workshops.
- SOMO Solar Lighting System by Sonnenglas® replaces kerosene lamps and holds up to 100 hours of light per charge.
- SOMO is assembled in a Fair Trade-certified factory in Lorentzville, Johannesburg, running on 90% solar power.
- WAYST Pendant 01 by Alkaline is made from demolition waste in Howick, South Africa.
- The IO Stool by Homenkà challenges Adolf Loos's 'Ornament and Crime' and uses the isi oji motif from Uli.
- The awards address the Eurocentric nature of existing design awards.
Entities
Artists
- Bibi Seck
- Terry Aidoo
- Zoë Chinonso Ene
Institutions
- Africa International Design Awards
- Sonnenglas®
- Alkaline
- Homenkà
Locations
- Senegal
- Nigeria
- Italy
- Lorentzville
- Johannesburg
- South Africa
- Howick
- KwaZulu-Natal Midlands