DEX Ghana, the country’s leading design community, has announced the seventh edition of its flagship dEX Design Conference (DDC26), set to take place from November 12 to 14, 2026, at the National Theatre in Accra.
The three-day event marks a major milestone for the conference, as it will be the first time the gathering is hosted at one of Ghana’s most prominent cultural institutions and the first edition to extend beyond a single day. This year’s conference will be held under the theme, “Sustainable Design for People, Planet, and Profit,” reflecting a growing conversation around the role of design in shaping inclusive, environmentally conscious, and economically viable futures across Africa.
From a Creative Gathering to a National Movement
Founded in 2018 under the name Artmosphere, dEX Ghana began as a small gathering of more than 70 designers in Accra who sought to create a platform for meaningful conversations about the realities of practising design on the African continent.
What started as a single event has since evolved into Ghana’s largest design community, dedicated to education, research, advocacy, and professional development. Over the years, the organisation has reached more than 10,000 designers across Ghana, Africa, and the diaspora through conferences and year-round initiatives.
Today, the dEX community, whose members are known as “Dexters,” includes graphic designers, architects, product designers, creative directors, educators, entrepreneurs, brand strategists, policymakers, and other creative professionals committed to advancing African design.
Reflecting on the organisation’s journey, Founder and President Daniel Ampofo noted that the true success of dEX Ghana lies not in its growth in numbers but in its impact on the careers and development of creative professionals across the continent.
Building on the Success of DDC25
The previous edition of the conference focused on Artificial Intelligence and its influence on African creative practice. The event attracted more than 400 participants, including designers, technologists, educators, and entrepreneurs who explored the opportunities and challenges presented by emerging technologies in the creative industry.
The success of DDC25 reinforced the conference’s role as a platform for shaping discussions around the future of African creativity, innovation, and design.
Why DDC26 Is a Landmark Event
According to organisers, three major developments distinguish DDC26 from previous editions.
First, the conference will be hosted at the National Theatre, a venue recognised for hosting some of Ghana’s most important cultural events, underscoring the growing influence of design within the country’s cultural and development agenda.
Second, the conference will span three days, allowing for deeper engagement and more comprehensive discussions on the future of sustainable design.
Third, DDC26 is expected to attract a broader audience beyond the traditional design community. Government officials, policymakers, corporate leaders, non-governmental organisations, students, social enterprises, and creative professionals will participate in discussions aimed at developing practical and lasting solutions through design.
Vice President and Creative Director of dEX Ghana, Emmanuel Dankyi, explained that the decision to expand the conference was driven by the increasing recognition of design’s impact on society, economies, and everyday life. He noted that the extended format would provide an opportunity to move beyond conversations and focus on actionable outcomes.
Exploring Sustainable Design Through Three Themes
The conference will explore sustainability through three interconnected pillars.
The first day will focus on People, examining how design can promote equity, inclusion, dignity, and representation within communities.
The second day will centre on Planet, highlighting sustainable approaches across architecture, technology, branding, fashion, and other creative sectors that support environmental responsibility.
The final day will address Profit, focusing on the economic realities of the creative industry and strategies for building ethical, scalable, and sustainable creative enterprises.
Participants can expect keynote presentations, fireside discussions, workshops, design labs, hackathons, exhibitions, innovation showcases, career development sessions, mentoring opportunities, and networking experiences throughout the conference.
Opportunities for Strategic Partnerships
Organisers have also positioned DDC26 as a platform for organisations seeking to support the growth of Africa’s creative economy. With a strong track record, an extensive professional network, and growing influence across the continent, dEX Ghana believes the conference offers brands and institutions a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of sustainable creative infrastructure.
Partnerships Lead Joshua Cleopas emphasised that the organisation is looking beyond traditional sponsorships, seeking collaborators who are committed to investing in the long-term growth and future of African design.
Tickets Now Available
Registration for DDC26 is officially open, with organisers encouraging designers, students, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to secure their participation in what is expected to be the most impactful edition of the dEX Design Conference to date.
The conference aims to strengthen conversations around sustainable design while creating opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and industry growth across Africa’s creative landscape.
Source: Citinewsroom.com
