The Ananse Center for Design, Africa’s first fully integrated design and entrepreneurship hub, has officially opened in Lagos with a plan to train 5,000 emerging designers and create 50,000 jobs in Nigeria’s fashion industry.
The centre, located at 10A Nike Art Gallery Road, Lekki, was launched on Friday through a partnership between Ananse, the Mastercard Foundation, and the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture and Creative Economy.
The 1,200-square-metre facility is expected to boost innovation, sustainability, and job creation in the country’s creative sector.
Speaking at the launch, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Ananse, Samuel Mensah described the centre as more than just a physical space.
“The Ananse Center for Design Lagos is more than a space, it is a catalyst for change. By combining training, infrastructure and global market access, we are giving thousands of young creatives, especially women, the chance to turn their talent into sustainable livelihoods,” he said.
The hub will offer 22 courses across five modules, including business development, e-commerce, marketing and product development. It also features mentorship rooms, CAD design labs, rent-free production spaces for fashion and leather goods, and shared workshops to encourage collaboration among creatives.
Country Director, Nigeria Program at Mastercard Foundation Rosy Fynn, said the centre aligns with the Foundation’s mission to create sustainable livelihoods for young people.
“By bringing together training, infrastructure, and access to markets, the Center creates pathways for young people, especially young women, to thrive, build sustainable livelihoods, and contribute meaningfully to inclusive economic growth,” she noted.
Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, said the Federal Government had signed a five-year memorandum of understanding with Ananse to scale the model across the country.
“By investing in skills, facilities and global visibility for our designers, we are creating jobs, supporting women and youth, and ensuring Nigerian creativity is recognised on the world stage,” she said.
The project is supported by international partners including DHL, Ecobank and the African Union. Training at the hub will also focus on eco-friendly materials and low-carbon manufacturing to build a more sustainable fashion industry in Nigeria.
