Women dominated Nairobi Design Week 2026, accounting for more than 75 per cent of exhibits — a strong signal of shifting influence in Africa’s creative industry.

The week-long festival, held from March 7 to March 15 in Nairobi, brought together designers, creatives, and innovators under the theme Let’s Be Human, focusing on inclusion, sustainability, and community-driven design.

A New Generation of Creatives Emerges

Organisers said the 11th edition also highlighted emerging talent, who made up 84 per cent of the exhibitors, pointing to a generational shift in the sector.

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Among the standout women-founded brands were Womencraft and Imani Collective, alongside The Shaba and Waridi Eyewear.

Nairobi Design fact sheet//Courtesy

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Conversations Around Women in Design

Discussions around women’s role in the industry featured prominently, including a Mums in Creative session held on International Women’s Day.

Adrian Jankowiak said the strong participation of women reflects a broader shift in how design is evolving across the continent.

“To see women contributing to a majority of our exhibits fills me with immense pride. It reflects our core belief that human experience is the future of design,” said Adrian Jankowiak, Director and Founder at Nairobi Design Week.

Nairobi’s Growing Global Influence

This year’s edition attracted a mix of international and regional designers, including Sarah Boris, Taofeeqoh, Makani by Samah from Sudan, and Kenneth Kanaabi — underscoring Nairobi’s growing position as a hub for design and creative innovation in Africa.

Participants said the platform continues to foster collaboration and purpose-driven design.

“Being part of Nairobi Design Week has been incredibly inspiring, and this year’s theme aligns with our mission of creating with purpose and connecting people,” said Lorenza Marzo, Director at Womencraft.

“Imani Collective’s Human Thread exhibition highlighted the people, materials, and processes behind our work,” added Dr Jenny Nuccio, Founder and Director at Imani Collective.

Nairobi Design exhibitors//Courtesy

A Festival Across the City

The festival adopted a decentralised format, with events held across multiple venues including Alliance Française Nairobi and Goethe-Institut Nairobi, as well as locations in Ngara and Baba Dogo.

Organisers said the approach aimed to deepen engagement within communities and make design more accessible across the city.

Innovation Meets Tradition

From bio-material innovation to traditional handmade textiles, the event showcased a wide range of ideas shaping the future of design.

Digital experiences were also featured, including screenings and interactive demonstrations of the 3D video game “Hiru.”

A Shift in Africa’s Creative Economy

Organisers said the strong showing by women and emerging designers reflects a broader shift in Africa’s creative economy, where inclusion and human-centred design are increasingly taking the lead.

Nairobi Design exhibits//Courtesy