When it comes to hospitality, what truly defines an African luxury hotel ? The question may seem straightforward, but the answer is far more nuanced and often varies from person to person. Recently, I came across a post on Instagram praising the Sofitel in Cotonou, Benin — now recognized as one of the continent’s emerging hotel landmarks — and it sparked my curiosity, drawing me into the conversation.

Design in Africa reflects a constant dialogue between yesterday and today, between know-how, innovation, and contemporary perspectives or designers of our generation.

For the first time, the official program includes a section dedicated to design. Under the curatorship of Ousmane Mbaye, a self-taught Senegalese designer, the biennale enriches its exhibition offerings with new creative sectors that highlight the interconnection between contemporary art, design, fashion, and the diversity of crafts in Africa.

The objective, to catalyze a creative synergy within the Foumbanese community: to bring together the different actors of crafts - established artisans, students and apprentices - from various specialties such as foundry, pottery, sculpture and manual engraving. By bringing them together in a space dedicated to innovation over a concentrated period, the program seeks to stimulate collaboration...

In this digital-focused perspective, crafts are often overlooked. They are not integrated into this vision of development and do not benefit from specific programs, adequate funding or in-depth training.

African luxury artisans must overcome many challenges of financing, infrastructure, branding and recognition to establish themselves in the highly competitive international luxury market.

And despite these challenges, African craftsmanship has enormous potential to position itself in the global luxury market.