PAID Summit 2026 returns with global design leaders, over 10,000 participants across over 30 countries
The Pan African Interior and Intentional Design Summit is set to return in 2026 with a strong global lineup, bringing together more than 10,000 interior designers from over 30 countries for a three-day virtual gathering focused on the future of African design.
Scheduled for May 7 to May 9, 2026, the summit will be held online under the theme “Curating Our Future The Power of Intentional Design.” It will feature more than 70 leading designers, architects, educators, and policy voices from across Africa and the diaspora, reinforcing its status as a major platform for design dialogue and collaboration.
Originally launched in 2018 as the first global convening of African interior designers, the summit has grown into a key event within the design ecosystem. It is led by Nigerian designer Osaru Alile Abraham, founder of Light Design Lab, and returns this year in response to increasing demand from a rapidly expanding community of creatives seeking greater global influence.
Speaking ahead of the event, Osaru Alile Abraham explained that the programme has been structured around real challenges facing designers today, including sustainability, business growth, and leadership within the global design space. She emphasised that the summit is designed not just as a showcase, but as a working platform for professionals ready to position themselves internationally.
The three day programme is organised as a progression. The first day will focus on intentional design practices, including sustainability, culture, and wellness in interior spaces. The second day will shift to the business of design, covering areas such as finance, legal frameworks, pricing, and the use of technology including artificial intelligence. The final day will centre on influence and authority, examining how African designers can shape global narratives, policy, and industry standards.
Among the featured speakers are internationally recognised figures such as Jack Travis, Titi Ogufere, Charrisse Johnston, Victor Ehikhamenor, Wangui Mwangi, and Bolanle Williams Olley, alongside dozens of other contributors from across the global design community.
The summit will include 11 expert panels, five knowledge sessions, 60 breakout rooms, three studio tours, and live creative performances woven into the programme. While the opening day will be free to the public, participation in the second and third days will require paid registration.
Organisers say the timing of the summit reflects a shift in the global design conversation, with African creatives increasingly influencing trends in materials, sustainability, craftsmanship, and cultural expression. The event aims to consolidate this momentum by providing a space for collaboration, learning, and strategic positioning.
Beyond professional development, the summit also carries a social impact component. Seventy percent of proceeds will support the Happy Space Project, an initiative focused on creating dignified and healing environments for vulnerable communities across Africa.
The summit is expected to attract a diverse audience, including interior designers, architects, students, developers, brands, and media professionals, all connected by a shared interest in the future of African design and its role on the global stage.