A new era has begun for Nigeria’s creative industry as Ananse, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and with the support of the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, has inaugurated the Ananse Centre for Design Lagos, aimed at empowering young innovators and promoting sustainable growth in the fashion and design sectors.
The state-of-the-art facility, unveiled during a press briefing and inauguration held on Friday in Lekki, Lagos, spans 1,200 square meters and is located at 10A Nike Art Gallery Road, Lekki Ikate. The Centre is designed to equip young creatives with essential skills, tools, and market access to grow their small and medium-scale enterprises.
The initiative targets over 5,000 emerging designers and aims to create 50,000 job opportunities, with 70 per cent of beneficiaries being young women. It offers 22 courses across five core modules Business Skills, Business Development, E-commerce, Marketing, and Product Development available both physically and virtually.
The facility also includes co-working spaces, photography studios, content creation labs, and product development areas for fashion, leather, and accessories.
Mr. Albert Biga, CEO of Oasis Properties & Construction Limited, which constructed the Centre, described the project as a “landmark facility designed to blend creativity with functionality.” He noted that Oasis Properties was proud to deliver a world-class structure that supports learning, collaboration, and innovation in Nigeria’s growing creative economy.
According to him, the building’s design and construction reflect sustainable practices and modern infrastructure capable of meeting international standards while promoting eco-friendly operations and inclusivity.
Ms. Rosy Fynn, Country Director of the Mastercard Foundation, said the partnership with Ananse reaffirms the Foundation’s commitment to youth empowerment through the creative economy. She noted that the initiative aligns with the Foundation’s Young Africa Works strategy, which aims to enable millions of young Africans, especially women, to access dignified and fulfilling work.
Fynn emphasized that the Centre would help transform creativity into sustainable livelihoods through training, mentorship, and access to markets, thereby contributing to inclusive national growth.
Founder and CEO of Ananse, Mr. Sam Mensah, described the launch as “a defining moment for African creativity.” He said the Centre would serve as a catalyst for change by combining training, infrastructure, and global exposure to help fashion entrepreneurs thrive locally and internationally.
Mensah added that Ananse’s mission is to build a sustainable design ecosystem across Africa by leveraging technology, e-commerce, and innovation to elevate homegrown talent to global recognition.
Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Mrs. Hannatu Musa Musawa, commended the initiative, noting that it reflects government’s commitment to strengthening the creative economy and supporting youth employment.
She disclosed that the Ministry had signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ananse to replicate the design centre model across the country, ensuring nationwide impact and sustainability.
According to Musawa, the Centre will contribute significantly to job creation, gender inclusion, and the global promotion of Nigerian fashion and craftsmanship.
The Ananse Centre for Design Lagos is expected to become a hub for creativity and innovation, driving Nigeria’s fashion industry toward international competitiveness, digital integration, and sustainable prosperity.