Nigeria is set to make history on the global stage with the unveiling of its first-ever federally supported pavilion at the 2025 London Design Biennale, themed Hopes and Impediments. The project, backed by Moniepoint Inc., marks a significant moment in the country’s cultural diplomacy and creative industry development.
The Nigerian Pavilion, which opens to the public on June 5, 2025, is named after the famous Nigerian author and thinker, Chinua Achebe. It will serve as a platform for showcasing the nation’s rich heritage, innovation, and the creative talents of its youth to an international audience.
Designed and curated by Myles Ikenna Igwebuike and programmed by Itohan Barlow, founder of Culture Lab Africa, the pavilion aims to challenge traditional ideas about cultural identity. It will explore themes of heritage, loss, reinvention, and how these elements influence the way societies evolve over time.
Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Moniepoint Inc., Didi Uwemakpan, said the fintech company’s decision to sponsor the Nigerian Pavilion is in line with its broader mission of supporting Africa’s future—not just in finance, but also in culture and creativity.
“At Moniepoint, we believe that true financial happiness comes from celebrating where we come from while building the future we want. Supporting the Nigeria Pavilion at the London Design Biennale is our way of amplifying our culture and creativity on the global stage,” Uwemakpan said.
The Nigerian government is positioning the creative economy as a key driver of economic growth, with a long-term goal of contributing $100 billion to the country’s GDP by the year 2030. This pavilion is one of the steps toward achieving that target by connecting Nigerian creativity with global markets and opportunities.
Central to the exhibition is the ancient archaeological site of Lejja in Enugu State, which dates back over 2,000 years. The Pavilion will use immersive technologies, digital storytelling, and heritage data to bring the story of Lejja to life, merging history with future-facing design.
Project Lead and Pavilion Co-Curator, Itohan Barlow, noted that Moniepoint’s support has been instrumental in turning this bold idea into reality. “We’re telling a story of resilience, innovation, and cultural power. This is more than an exhibition—it’s a statement about what Nigeria offers the world,” she said.
The Pavilion is also backed by several prominent organisations, both in Nigeria and abroad. These include the Centre for Memories, Nteje Studios, Rollingstones Africa, the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), the Royal College of Art (London), The Africa Centre, Leadway Holdings, Value Africa, Pedro’s Africa, Pikd, and ArtSVP.
Administering bodies for the Pavilion are the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy; the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation; and the Nigerian High Commission in London.
The 2025 London Design Biennale is expected to attract global attention as designers, thinkers, and artists from around the world gather to share ideas and showcase innovations in design. Nigeria’s participation not only highlights its growing creative ecosystem but also affirms its place in the global cultural conversation.
This initiative comes at a time when many stakeholders are calling for increased government and private sector investment in the creative industries, particularly as Nigeria seeks to diversify its economy away from oil dependence. Analysts say initiatives like this can create jobs, promote tourism, and give young Nigerians new pathways for global engagement.
With Moniepoint’s support and the backing of federal cultural institutions, the Pavilion is expected to leave a lasting impression on visitors, positioning Nigeria as a powerhouse of creativity, resilience, and innovation.
