Ecobank Nigeria is set to host the second edition of its acclaimed Design & Build showcase—an immersive, five-day experience scheduled to run from September 24 to 28, 2025, at the Ecobank Pan African Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos. With the theme “How We Build, How We Live,” the event promises to spotlight innovation in architecture, interior design, and real estate, with a carefully curated selection of exhibitors and thought leaders driving the narrative forward.
This year’s showcase will feature just over 40 selected exhibitors, prioritising depth and creativity over volume. Attendees will be able to explore cutting-edge designs, immersive installations, and interactive experiences with a strong focus on quality, sustainability, and lifestyle innovation.
Echoing the bank’s vision, Ecobank Nigeria’s Head of SMEs, Omoboye Odu, described the event as a “celebration of visionaries shaping Nigeria’s future.” She emphasised that Design & Build goes beyond showcasing structures—it’s about building impactful experiences that resonate with purpose and progress. The event aims to unify creators and innovators under one roof, fostering connections that redefine how spaces are designed, inhabited, and experienced.
Curator and principal interior designer at Inu Designs, Titi Fowora, brought further clarity to the showcase’s ambition: “This edition is intentionally curated. It’s not about more—it’s about the best ideas that inspire us to rethink how we build and live. From heritage craftsmanship to future-forward solutions, Design & Build is a living canvas of transformation.”
Participants can expect a rich schedule that includes panel discussions on architecture, urban planning, and interior design trends; immersive kitchen demonstrations; live cooking sessions; and networking opportunities with industry leaders—all designed to blend lifestyle, creativity, and strategic living.
Business analysts note that the Design & Build showcase aligns with Nigeria’s urgent need for innovative housing solutions. With a massive housing deficit and rising urban density, platforms like this serve as bridges between creative talent and accessible financing—both of which are essential to transforming the built environment.
Ecobank’s role in the initiative reflects its broader pan-African mission—driving financial inclusion, empowering entrepreneurs, and championing local businesses on a global stage. The bank’s continued investment in the creative and SME sectors—including platforms like the Adire Lagos Experience, +234 Art Fair, and the Chess Championship—positions it as a key enabler of economic diversity and social impact.
The timing of the event is significant. Coming on the heels of last year’s inaugural showcase, which brought together designers, developers, and innovators for the first time, this edition builds momentum toward establishing Design & Build as an enduring fixture in Nigeria’s creative calendar. Plans are already under way to possibly extend the initiative to other cities and launch virtual components to increase reach and inclusivity—a response to evolving professional and regional dynamics.
During its five-day run, the showcase is expected to offer not only inspiration but also practical value. Attendees—ranging from aspiring designers to established real estate developers—can forge new partnerships, discover sustainable materials and smart technologies, and tap into funding streams tailored to innovative ideas.
Urban planners and architects are watching closely. The integration of digital tools, smart building solutions, and green design—topics already trending in global discourse—will find localized expression at the event. If sustainable models presented here gain traction, Nigeria could see a faster transition to energy-efficient and contextually relevant urban development.
For Ecobank Nigeria, the initiative is both a reflection of its values and a strategic platform. By blending creativity with financial backing and public visibility, the bank is cementing its role not just as a financier, but as a development collaborator in creative economy sectors.
As the countdown to Design & Build 2025 continues, anticipation is building. Stakeholders—from architects and SMEs to lifestyle brands and investors—are preparing to engage, connect, and co-create the future of spaces. If last year’s debut is any indication, this year’s edition is primed to push boundaries further, igniting fresh dialogues around design, living, and sustainable urban transformation in Nigeria.
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