Nairobi Design Week (NDW) 2026 concludes after a week of inclusive design and innovation, with women leading the exhibits.
In a press release dated March 17, the 11th edition of the NDW was reported to have been held from March 7 to March 15. The theme was Let’s Be Human, by showcasing a commitment to design that fosters connection, sustainability, and community impact.
Most of the exhibits at the NDW were either led by or involved a woman, with over 75% of the Exhibits.
“In a powerful testament to the growing influence of women in the creative industries, of the exhibits at Nairobi Design Week 2026 were either led by or involved women,” part of the press release read.
Key women-founded brands presenting included Women Craft, Imani Collective, The Shaba, and Waridi Eyewear.
During the festivals, Lulu Asili Kitololo and Nancy Cherwon were featured in the “Mums in Creative” on Women’s Day.
NDW also championed emerging designers, who accounted for 84% of the exhibits. Moreover, the show was involved in the inclusion of people living with disabilities and displaced communities.
According to the Director and Founder of Nairobi Design, Adrian Jankowiak, the design was a tool to help people understand themselves better.
“The Let’s Be Human theme reminds us that the person opposite us doesn’t always know how we feel. Design can be the tool that helps us bridge that gap and understand ourselves better,” said Adrian.
He added that women, who contributed to most of the exhibits, reflected the core belief that human experience is the future of design.
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Talents Featured During the Nairobi Design Week
Talents featured during the NDW included international and regional talents such as Sarah Boris from the United Kingdom (UK), Taofeeqoh (Nigeria), Womencraft (Tanzania), Makani by Samah (Sudan), and Kenneth Kanaabi (Uganda), alongside the Kenyan exhibitors.
Lorenza Marzo, Director, Womencraft, stated that the NDW aligned with the mission of Womencraft in creating innovation across Africa.
Speakers during the NDW included the Director and Founder of Nairobi Design, Adrian Jankowiak; the Director of Womencraft, Lorenza Marzo; and Dr. Jenny Nuccio, the Founder of Imani Collective.
Venues where the NDW was Held
- Visit Ngara
- Diba Studios (Baba Dogo)
- Alliance Française
- German Cultural Institute in Nairobi (Goethe-Institut Nairobi).
Holding the festivals in different venues aimed to bring design into focus in cultural and community locations.
In addition, the venues were used to leverage the existing infrastructures and foster engagement within the Nairobi neighborhoods.
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Designs Showcased in the NDW
NDW 2026 showcased a range of designs, including biomaterials, traditional handmade work, panel discussions with leaders in design and the creative industry, and digital exhibits.
About NDW
Nairobi Design Week is an annual festival that celebrates and explores design, creativity, and innovation in Africa.
It serves as a dynamic platform for designers, innovators, and thinkers to connect, showcase their work, and engage with the public.
NDW is dedicated to inspiring impact and collaboration across various design disciplines.
