The inaugural AIDA Awards announces winners across architecture, product, fashion, and communication design

The inaugural edition of the AIDA Awards 2026 has announced its winners, highlighting outstanding projects across architecture, product, fashion, and communication design. Organized by 3C Awards, the ceremony and conference program will take place in Cotonou, Benin, at the end of July 2026. The first edition received more than 300 submissions from over 40 countries, including 24 African nations. The jury, chaired by Birsel + Seck founder Bibi Seck, brought together 41 architects, designers, educators, and cultural leaders who evaluated projects based on cultural relevance, sustainability, innovation, and social impact.

Bidi Bidi Refugee Settlement
Photo credit: Mutua Matheka

Spatial Design

Architectural Design of the Year

Localworks（Felix Holland / Joshua Mutabaazi / Edson Agume / Wilson Sendikwanawa / Allan Semakula） / 《Bidi Bidi Performing Arts Centre》

Architectural Designer of the Year

Nicole Moyo / 《Pearl Jam》

Emerging Architect of the Year

François Abatan / Sanny Axelle / Carol Gnimadi（Africa Design School） / 《OGOUN – Goddess of Iron and Courage》

PEARL JAM
Photo credit: Nicole Moyo

OGOUN - Goddess of Iron and Courage
Photo credit: Francois Abaton

Product Design

Product Design of the Year

Tracy Lynch / Cebo Mvubu（Clout/SA × Keiskamma Art Project） / 《Stitched, a story of our home》

Product Designer of the Year

Terry Aidoo / 《Kabila Collection》

Emerging Product Designer of the Year

Didier Stéphane Kingnide Gnonlonfoun / 《Sport Can》

Stitched, a story of our home
Photo credit: Creg Cox, Justin Patrick

Kabila Collection
Photo credit: Matteo Ercole

Sport Can
Photo credit: Stéphane Gnonlonfoun

Fashion Design

Fashion Design of the Year

Charles Johnson（World Shoe, Inc.） / 《The Rowe》

Fashion Designer of the Year

Ghizlaine Elmanjra / 《The Baazz Sneaker》

The Rowe
Photo credit: Charles Johnson

The Baazz Sneaker
Photo credit: Ghizlaine Elmanjra

Communication Design

Communication Design of the Year

David Vallier / Olivier Marchetti / Tampidaro（Ag Partners Publicis Africa Group） / 《UE au Sénégal - Baie de Hann》

Communication Designer of the Year

Tshepo Masilo / 《BIC I Love Africa Pocket Lighter Series》

Emerging Communication Designer of the Year

Annabelle Armstrong（Greenside Design Center） / 《Becoming a Beacon》

UE au Sénégal - Baie de Hann
Photo credit: David Vallier, OlivierMarchetti

BIC I Love Africa Pocket Lighter Series
Photo credit: Tshepo Masilo

Becoming a Beacon
Photo credit: Annabelle Armstrong

The AIDA Awards is supported by Africa Design School, African Fashion Foundation, and L'École de Design Nantes Atlantique. The platform aims to elevate African-centred creative practices while supporting emerging generations of designers across the continent and the diaspora.

About AIDA Awards

The Africa International Design Awards (AIDA) celebrates design projects rooted in African cultures, communities, and contexts. Launched in 2026, the awards program recognizes excellence across four disciplines: Spatial Design, Product Design, Fashion Design, and Communication Design. Managed by 3C Awards, the initiative is part of the Farmani Group network, which promotes global achievements in architecture, design, and photography.