Lagos – On October 21 and 22, Salone del Mobile.Milano made its debut in Nigeria with a leg of its World Tour during Design Week Lagos. Marco Sabetta, General Manager of Salone del Mobile.Milano, and Marva Griffin Wilshire, Founder and Curator of SaloneSatellite, met with the local community of architects, interior designers, developers, businesses, and institutions. The goal is to gain a deeper understanding of the evolving Nigerian market and foster new opportunities for collaboration between key local decision-makers and Salone's international network of companies and designers.
This dialogue will continue in Milan during the 65th edition of the event, scheduled for April 13 to 18, 2027, at Fiera Milano, Rho. The choice of Lagos aligns with Salone’s broader strategy: consolidating its core markets while actively exploring new commercial and creative territories. Nigeria provides a vibrant backdrop for establishing connections with clients and distributors, understanding local design needs, and engaging with a community of designers and manufacturers committed to advancing the country's domestic industry. Participating in the 2026 edition of Design Week Lagos allows the organization to bridge market potential with an exchange of expertise.
In the first half of 2026, Italian exports in the design sector to Africa reached €191.3 million. Nigeria retained its position as the fourth-largest market on the continent, accounting for €15.6 million. Notably, the bathroom furniture sector exceeded €2 million in Nigeria, marking a remarkable 108.6% growth.
“The competitiveness of design companies hinges on their ability to interpret diverse ways of living, cultures, and needs. Climate, available materials, spatial usage, and lifestyle habits pose distinct challenges to both designers and manufacturers,” stated General Manager Sabetta.