Take inspiration from Africa

Colourful, fresh and full of hope: Meet the Africa you don’t know in these talks from African speakers at Design Indaba.

Over the last 21 years, we've had some pretty impressive minds take to the Design Indaba stage. It is with great honour and great interest that we invite members of Africa's creative community to introduce and expand on topics as diverse and important as the impact of innovation in the continent, storytelling, architecture, misrepresentation and reform. From Kenyan technologist Juliana Rotich on global solutions from African problemsolvers, to a literal redesign of the wheel for rural Africa by Malawian Ackeem Ngwenya, and Ng'endo Mukii's animation that challenges western ideas of beauty, these talks will be sure to strengthen your understanding of what is going on in this creative continent.

Sensational Senegalese fashion designer Selly Raby Kane, picured above, is this year's Creative Director for Design Indaba Festival. She's busy creating a magical dreamscape for Cape Town's Artscape.

Christian Benimana on architecture that serves the community

Talks > African Design / Architecture & Interiors

In his talk, Benimana asks a series of questions about the capabilities of the built environment: can a building heal, can a neonatal ward celebrate childhood? >

19 Apr 17
Ng'endo Mukii on the re-animation of indigenous people

Talks > African Design / Film & Animation

Animator Ng’endo Mukii talks about her use of animation and movement to challenge deep-seated perspectives. >

19 Nov 15
Ackeem Ngwenya on design for rural Africa

Talks > African Design / Product Design

Designer and recent graduate Ackeem Ngwenya says scarcity in Africa is a blank canvas for designers. >

22 Sep 15
Selly Raby Kane on otherworldly fashion in Dakar

Talks > African Design / Design Thinking / Fashion & Jewellery Design

Senegalese fashion designer Selly Raby Kane is going beyond regular aesthetics and redefining the creative energy in Dakar. >

27 Jul 15
William Kentridge on peripheral thinking

Talks > African Design / Art & Photography / Film & Animation

South Africa’s foremost artist demonstrates how productive procrastination is at the heart of his creative process. >

3 Jun 15
Issa Diabaté on designing the future of urban Africa

Talks > African Design / Architecture & Interiors

This Ivorian architect believes that designing with a broad vision makes all things possible. >

14 Jan 15
David Goldblatt on life through the lens

Talks > African Design / Art & Photography

The veteran photographer selects 20 career-defining photos that open a window onto South Africa's conflicted history. >

3 Sep 14
Juliana Rotich on a new tech ecosystem for Africa

Talks > African Design / Design Thinking / Information Design

What if solutions to the world’s problems came from Africa? asks Juliana Rotich, co-founder of Kenyan technology firm Ushahidi. >

27 Aug 14
Laduma Ngxokolo on his Xhosa fashion line

Talks > Fashion & Jewellery Design

Laduma Ngxokolo incorporates traditional Xhosa beadwork designs into his range of wool and mohair garments for men. >

9 Nov 11
Francis Kéré: African architecture should stop copying the West

Talks > Architecture & Interiors / Design Activism

African architecture should stop copying the West, engage the real needs of the people and regard the environment, says Diébédo Francis Kéré. >

30 Jun 11
Handspring Puppet Company: Engineers of emotions

Talks > Interaction Design

Handspring Puppet Company believe that puppeteers are engineers of emotions. >

3 Mar 11

Take inspiration from Africa

Top Features

Regulars

TwitterFollow @designindaba