Vivian Godonuve, Event Manager, Atlantic Exhibition Nigeria Limited. With a career spanning over 8 years in both exhibition and marketing environments, Vivian has developed a robust skill set that bridges strategic planning, creative execution, and operational excellence. In this interview with JOHN SALAU, Godonuve, who is responsible for the end-to-end management of events, from conceptualization and budgeting to vendor coordination and onsite execution, shares her thought on Nigeria’s exhibition ecosystem, with more focus on African design, and how it connects to international audiences. Excerpts:
How would you define ‘African design’ in the global furniture market?
African design is a broad term that encompasses a diverse range of styles, techniques, and materials, reflecting West Africa’s rich cultural heritage and varied aesthetics, which emphasize on craftsmanship, and growing presence in the global market. It is a trend that is here to stay as it is increasingly being recognised as a lasting, transformative movement. Today’s global consumers are more discerning. They are actively seeking products that are not only beautiful but also authentic, ethically sourced, and rich with meaning and African furniture design checks all these boxes. It draws from centuries-old traditions, indigenous materials, and storytelling techniques that speak to identity and place, offering something truly distinctive in an often-homogenised market. More importantly, African designers are gaining visibility and reclaiming control over how their stories are told. With the rise of social media, digital platforms, and global exhibitions, a new generation of creatives is challenging outdated narratives, driving innovation, and positioning African design as both contemporary and globally relevant. Sustainability is also playing a key role. Many African designers and furniture makers are leveraging locally sourced, natural, and recyclable materials not only as a nod to tradition but also as a conscious response to climate and environmental concerns. This alignment with global sustainability goals makes African design even more compelling in the current landscape.
At its core, this movement is deeply rooted in cultural preservation and pride. By embedding heritage into function and form, African design becomes a vehicle for keeping traditions alive while also adapting them for modern lifestyles.
Locally, there is also a growing demand for well-crafted, culturally resonant furniture further driving innovation and elevating design standards. Therefore, while trends will continue to shape the aesthetics of the moment, the movement behind African design is more enduring. It is about establishing a bold, valuable, and self-defined presence in the global furniture market, one that continues to evolve, inspire, and resonate for years to come.
If some designs are classified as African design; do we have Nigerian designs?
Yes, within the broader category of African furniture design, there are distinct Nigerian furniture designs. These designs often draw inspiration from Nigerian culture, traditions, and natural materials, incorporating elements like specific motifs, colors, and craftsmanship techniques. From the perspective of cultural identity, Nigerian furniture designs are rooted in the country’s diverse cultural heritage. This means that designers may draw inspiration from Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, and other ethnic groups’ artistic traditions. Traditional patterns, symbols, and motifs found in Nigerian art and textiles are frequently incorporated into furniture design.
Natural materials like wood (especially local hardwoods), stone, and woven materials (like raffia or palm fronds) are common in Nigerian furniture, reflecting the country’s natural resources. The use of local materials also connects the furniture to the environment and supports sustainable practices. Intricate carvings, weaving, and other artisanal techniques are often employed in Nigerian furniture, showcasing the skill and artistry of local craftspeople. This emphasis on craftsmanship ensures that each piece is unique and carries the cultural heritage of Nigeria.
What is the current market size of the furniture industry in Nigeria?
The furniture market in Nigeria is experiencing significant growth, driven partly by urbanization, a rising middle class, and increased homeownership. The market is valued at over $2 billion, with projections suggesting it could reach $6 billion in the next few years. While challenges like access to finance and infrastructure remain, the industry is poised for substantial expansion, with a focus on both locally made and imported furniture. The largest segment within the market is Living Room Furniture, which accounted for a market volume of US$1.71bn in 2024. According to a 2024 report by Statista, the furniture market in Nigeria is anticipated to experience an annual growth rate of 2.93% (CAGR 2025-2029). At FEWA, we see huge potentials within the furniture market across the West African sub-region and we also believe the market is ripe for more investment to further open it up for more international players. Hence, our annual conference focuses on bridging market gaps by bringing players, users and investors together under one roof.
How can local brands leverage FEWA to meet international quality and sustainability standards?
Furniture Exhibition West Africa (FEWA) is an international exhibition platform dedicated to transforming the furniture design industry by connecting businesses. The exhibition is organized to drive and support accelerating changes in every aspect of furniture design, from creation to production, through creativity and technology in West Africa. Over three (3) days, the exhibition will showcase a comprehensive range of furniture design trends, the latest styles, and innovative solutions for creating functional and inspiring living spaces. it’s about fostering a vibrant community, sharing knowledge and insights on topics like sustainable furniture design practices, emerging technologies in furniture production, and the latest trends in furniture aesthetics. This is not just about showcasing products; it’s also about professionals and enthusiasts gathering in a conference sessions, exchanging ideas and leaning from experts. The exhibition offers a platform for networking, connecting industry leaders, furniture designers, interior decorators, suppliers, and passionate homeowners. It creates an environment that fosters the exchange of ideas, creation of partnerships, and the evolution of home décor and furniture design. FEWA will help local brands learn about how to adopt international quality and sustainability standard through it’s masterclass, gaining insights into trends, technologies, and regulations. FEWA will also connect local brands with international buyers, suppliers, and consultants, enabling them to build relationships and access guidance, resources, and expertise to meet international standards.
How can African designers reach global audiences leveraging digital tools like 3D modelling, e-commerce platforms for global audiences’ appeal?
3D Modelling and e-commerce platforms help brands to create stunning visuals and sell directly to global customers, amplifying brand visibility and sales. This digital empowerment enables a new generation of designers to operate globally, build international brands, and retain control over their creative and commercial narratives.
What certifications should African brands prioritise to attract international buyers?
African furniture brand prioritise certifications like Certificate in Furniture Design, Certificate of Proficiency in Upholstery, Certificate in Wood Technology, to mention a few. These certifications will help the brands build and ensure responsible furniture management and materials. Take the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification for example, it should be a top priority for African brands working with wood and other forest-based materials. This globally recognised certification ensures that wood comes from responsibly managed forests that meet strict environmental, social, and economic standards. It helps protect biodiversity, water sources, and indigenous rights. For international buyers particularly in Europe and North America, the FSC certification is often a non-negotiable requirement, especially for retailers and companies committed to sustainability goals. We also have the Fair-Trade certification which guarantees fair wages, safe working conditions, and community investment. For African brands, this certification enhances their appeal by aligning with a growing consumer preference for ethical sourcing and social justice. It’s especially important for buyers in sectors where brand values and consumer ethics are closely scrutinised. Fair Trade certification also helps differentiate brands in a competitive market, fostering long-term relationships based on transparency and shared values. Another is Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) which serves as an alternative to FSC. PEFC is another credible certification for wood and forest products. It supports sustainable forest management and is more commonly used in some regions. African brands sourcing from PEFC-certified forests can still meet global standards and appeal to buyers who accept multiple certification frameworks for sustainability. For brands incorporating textiles, natural fabrics, or upholstery made from cotton, wool, hemp, or natural dyes, GOTS certification is essential. It certifies that textiles are organic and processed in environmentally and socially responsible ways. With the growing global demand for organic and chemical-free products, GOTS helps position African brands as modern, clean, and eco-conscious. Lastly, we have the ISO Certifications (e.g., ISO 9001 and ISO 14001) and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). With the former, these international standards demonstrate a company’s dedication to quality management (ISO 9001) and environmental management (ISO 14001). For African brands, these certifications boost credibility, open doors to larger supply chain partnerships, and are often required for tendering or contracting with larger international firms. For the latter, it is primarily associated with sustainable building practices, and it’s increasingly relevant to furniture manufacturers supplying products for certified green buildings.
Having LEED-compliant furniture enhances a brand’s ability to cater to architectural and interior design projects that prioritise sustainability at every level.
FEWA is an annual conference; what can attendees expect from next year’s curated design showcases?
Furniture exhibition promises to showcase the latest designs, innovations, and trends, offering attendees diverse experiences and industry insights. This year’s event will feature innovative works from renowned and emerging regional designers who blend cultural narratives with modern design, making it a global impact.
Similarly, interested designers, furniture makers or potential exhibitors/buyers can sign up for the Furniture Expo West Africa (FEWA) by visiting the website www.furniturewestafrica.com to register as an exhibitor or reach us on the number provided on the website or our social media pages. FEWA exhibition will be held between 19th and 21st May, 2026, at the Eko Hotels, Victoria Island, Lagos. The early bird discount ends on Thursday July 31, 2025.
