At the intersection of creativity, technology, and opportunity, a quiet revolution is taking shape in Lagos. The newly launched Ananse Centre for Design, a partnership between Ananse Africa, the Mastercard Foundation, and Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, is redefining how Africa builds a sustainable creative economy.
For years, African fashion has inspired the world — from Ankara prints to intricate beadwork — yet designers have struggled with poor infrastructure, limited access to training, and restricted market reach. The Ananse Centre in Lagos was created to close these gaps, offering a 1,200-square-metre hub where creativity meets commerce.
Located on Nike Art Gallery Road, the Centre is equipped with studios for fashion, leather, footwear, photography, and digital content creation. It also provides training and certification through the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), teaching not only design but also business management, digital tools, and intellectual property.
Founder Samuel Mensah, a Ghanaian entrepreneur and former investment banker, says the idea was born from real challenges faced by African creatives. “We noticed that many designers across the continent lacked access to resources and markets. The goal is to empower 5,000 emerging creatives and create up to 50,000 jobs — with women making up about 70 per cent,” he said.
Mensah’s tech background is evident in the Centre’s digital focus. Through partnerships with companies like Clo3D, participants are trained in virtual garment design, allowing Lagos-based creators to serve clients globally. “Technology should amplify handcraft, not erase it,” he added.
Supported by Mastercard Foundation’s Young Africa Works strategy and a five-year MoU with the Ministry, the Centre is set to be replicated across Nigeria. Beyond producing world-class talent, it champions sustainability — promoting small-scale, responsible production and empowering African designers to compete in global eco-conscious markets.
