Mbari Uno debuts to drive human capital development, collaboration among designers

A design platform, Mbari Uno, has been established to create sustainable solutions and develop adequate human capital that would drive economic growth.The innovative hub, according to its promoters, Chuma Anagbado and Obinali Okoli, is poised to become a ‘go-to-hub’ for all designs to position Nigeria as a leading design country in Africa, as well as increase the number of successful design startups originating from Sub-Saharan Africa.

Speaking at the launch of the platform yesterday, its Co-founder and Director, Chuma Anagbado, said Mbari Uno, which means ‘House of Collaboration,’ is a community-focused centre for design research, education and solutions development.

He said they collaborate directly with communities and get them involved in designing solutions to their peculiar problems, to bridge the gap on innovative solutions that would engender collaborations among designers, design enthusiasts, sponsors, manufacturers, industries and the general public.

Worried by the low number of designers in Africa, low level of awareness about designs and absence of a designs regulatory body in Nigeria, Anagbado said the firm would come up with a policy document that would be taken to the National Assembly to be passed as a bill for proper regulation of the industry.

“Regulation has to happen in design. People need to be aware. If standards are not checked, it will affect the people. We need to speak out, draw the attention of key stakeholders to bridge this gap. It is about sharing ideas and developing indigenous solutions among designers, government and stakeholders.

“Building on the pillars of design research, education and development, Mbari Uno will teach and showcase design, profile designers and chronicle design firms. The platform will also create great design work, establish and promote the industry, as well as document design discipline in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa.

“Mbari Uno is set to attract design patrons, consultant and investors to help emerging designers gain access to innovative spaces, trainings, professional assistance, and any other service that will fast track them to success,” Anagbado said.