In a groundbreaking collaboration, two visionary women, Titi Ogufere and Mojisola Hunponu-Wusu, are revolutionizing the design industry in Nigeria. Their brainchild, “The Design Den,” is a pioneering initiative that empowers female creatives, promotes Nigerian designs, and fosters economic growth.
Ogufere, the founder of Design Week Lagos, and Hunponu-Wusu, President of WoodHall Capital, have joined forces to create a platform that showcases the best of African design. Their partnership is a testament to the power of collaboration and the boundless potential of African creativity.
The Design Den is a reality show that provides a platform for designers to develop business plans, structure, and scalability. The show features a panel of judges who assess the designers’ work using various parameters. The winners receive funding, market access, and global visibility, courtesy of WoodHall Capital.
Hunponu-Wusu, an investment banker with over 25 years of experience, was blown away by the sheer talent and creativity on display at the exhibition. “I saw people passionate about what Africa has to offer, bringing their skills to almost be a marketing arm of everything good and creative in Africa.”
The initiative is not just about showcasing African design; it’s about creating a sustainable ecosystem that fosters economic growth. Ogufere notes that one major challenge in Nigeria is the importation of goods that could be produced locally. “If we can scale these products, the sky would be the limit. It means we would have job creation, be able to have businesses that can thrive, and then we can grow the economy.”
The Design Den is more than just a reality show; it’s a movement that celebrates African creativity, empowers female entrepreneurs, and contributes to the growth of the Nigerian economy. As Ogufere and Hunponu-Wusu continue to blaze the trail, one thing is clear: the future of African design has never looked brighter.