Dialogue in Design & Development
The premium strategic forum presented in collaboration with the Association of Consulting Architects Nigeria (ACAN). Setting continuous agendas on sustainability, governance, and capital scaling in African regional development.
Structuring Africa’s Built Sovereignty
As Africa navigates unprecedented urban concentration, the urgency for highly intelligent, sustainable, and citizens-centric spatial development elevates daily.
Dialogue in Design & Development is a high-level strategic forum curated jointly by Design Week Lagos and the Association of Consulting Architects Nigeria (ACAN). Together, we gather the executive figures responsible for designing, permitting, and financing African real estate grids.
From macro city planning limits to indigenous architectural identities and climate-resiliency technologies, the platform transforms surface discussions into targeted investment outcomes, high-profile procurement pathways, and progressive policy recommendations.
Purpose
The programme exists to strengthen dialogue between the design profession and the institutions responsible for shaping the built environment.
It seeks to:
- Promote design-led approaches to development and urban growth
- Foster collaboration between public and private sector stakeholders
- Advance conversations around housing, infrastructure, and sustainability
- Highlight emerging opportunities within Africa’s built environment
- Support knowledge exchange between local and international experts
- Encourage policy and investment frameworks that enable better cities and communities
Who Should Attend?
Dialogue in Design & Development is designed for:
- Architects and built environment professionals
- Real estate developers and investors
- Government officials and policymakers
- Urban planners and infrastructure practitioners
- Engineers and consultants
- Construction and manufacturing stakeholders
- Financial institutions and development organizations
- Academics and researchers
- Students and emerging professionals
- Industry associations and professional bodies
Additional categories may be announced prior to the competition.
Programme Format
The programme features a curated selection of:
- Keynote presentations
- Panel discussions
- Fireside conversations
- Policy roundtables
- Industry briefings
- Leadership dialogues
B2B Sessions
The forum concludes with dedicated B2B Sessions designed to facilitate meaningful connections between industry stakeholders. These structured meetings provide opportunities for architects, developers, manufacturers, suppliers, investors, government agencies, and service providers to explore partnerships, procurement opportunities, business development conversations, and potential project collaborations. By bringing key decision-makers together in a focused environment, the B2B Sessions transform dialogue into tangible opportunities, reinforcing the forum’s commitment to driving real economic and industry impact.
Participation
Dialogue in Design & Development is a curated programme developed jointly by Design Week Lagos and the Association of Consulting Architects Nigeria (ACAN). Speakers and participants are invited by the programming committee based on their expertise, leadership, and contribution to the sector. Organizations interested in partnership, sponsorship, or institutional participation are encouraged to contact the Design Week Lagos team directly
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed by the Design Week Lagos programming team based on:
- Relevance to the festival theme
- Originality and quality of ideas
- Professional expertise and experience
- Potential audience value and impact
- Diversity of perspectives and disciplines
Due to the volume of submissions received, only selected applicants will be contacted.
Key Details
Date
October 2026
Location:
National Theatre, Lagos
Part of: