The Africa International Design Awards (AIDA) published the winners of their inaugural 2026 edition, and the list reads like a manifesto for design as infrastructure.
Architectural Design of the Year went to the Bidi Bidi Refugee Settlement project in Uganda, by Hassell and Localworks — a recognition that some of the most important design work on the continent happens where shelter, community and dignity are at stake.
Nicole Moyo (South Africa) was named Architectural Designer of the Year for PEARL JAM, and François Abatan (Benin) Emerging Architect of the Year for OGOUN — Goddess of Iron and Courage.
Other categories extended the field: Clout/SA won Product Design of the Year for “Stitched, a story of our home”. Taken together, the awards describe a movement away from design as decoration and towards architecture, social design, product and material innovation.
