Nairobi Design Week 2026 highlights women-led innovation, inclusive design

Nairobi Design Week 2026 concluded on Sunday after a week-long programme that underscored the growing role of inclusive, human-centred design across Africa’s creative industries.

Held from March 7 to 15, the 11th edition of the festival adopted the theme “Let’s Be Human,” focusing on design as a tool for connection, sustainability, and social impact.

A notable feature of this year’s event was the strong representation of women in the sector. Organisers reported that 75 per cent of exhibits were either led by or involved women, signalling a shift in the creative landscape. Women-founded brands such as Womencraft, Imani Collective, The Shaba and Waridi Eyewear were among those featured.

The festival also marked International Women's Day with a “Mums in Creative” panel discussion that explored the intersection of motherhood and creative work, reflecting broader conversations around gender and inclusion.

Emerging designers formed the bulk of participants, accounting for 84 per cent of exhibits. Organisers said this emphasis was intended to nurture new talent while expanding opportunities for underrepresented groups, including people living with disabilities and displaced communities.

Speaking during the event, festival founder Adrian Jankowiak said the theme aimed to emphasise empathy in design. “Design can be the tool that helps us bridge gaps and better understand one another,” he noted, adding that the strong participation of women reflected a broader shift towards more diverse voices shaping the industry.

The festival attracted a mix of regional and international exhibitors, including creatives from the United Kingdom, Nigeria, Tanzania, Sudan and Uganda, alongside Kenyan designers. This diversity, organisers said, reinforces Nairobi’s growing reputation as a hub for design innovation on the continent.

Participants also highlighted the role of design in addressing social and economic challenges. Jenny Nuccio, founder of Imani Collective, said their exhibition focused on the people and processes behind artisan-made products, opening discussions on responsible production and community-driven design.

This year’s edition adopted a decentralised model, with events hosted across multiple venues including Alliance Française Nairobi and Goethe-Institut Nairobi, alongside sites in Ngara and Baba Dogo. The approach aimed to broaden public access and embed design conversations within different parts of the city.

Exhibitions ranged from innovations in bio-materials to traditional textile craftsmanship, complemented by panel discussions and digital showcases. These included interactive demonstrations and screenings, reflecting the sector’s increasing integration of technology.

Organisers said the range of work presented at this year’s festival points to a growing emphasis on design that prioritises social impact and resilience, positioning Nairobi as an increasingly influential centre in Africa’s creative economy.