Vickyheldan equips interior designers with skills to build globally competitive businesses

Vickyheldan Interior Design & Architecture has intensified efforts to strengthen the business landscape of Africa’s interior design industry by hosting the Abuja edition of its annual Business of Interior Design Masterclass with Vickyheldan 2026.

Held under the theme, “How to Build a Successful & Profitable Interior Design Company,” the event marked the third edition of the continental initiative, attracting architects, interior designers, furniture manufacturers, project managers, home fragrance curators and other creative entrepreneurs seeking to build sustainable and globally competitive businesses.

The masterclass, endorsed by the Diaspora Affairs Office of the President of the Republic of Ghana, forms part of the Mastery with Vickyheldan initiative, a platform established to equip Africa’s next generation of creative leaders with business knowledge, mentorship, innovation and strategic partnerships.

Speaking at the event, Victory Njoku, Convener of the Masterclass and Chief Executive Officer of Vickyheldan Interior Design & Architecture, said the future of Africa’s design industry depends not only on creativity but also on the ability of practitioners to build structured and profitable enterprises.

According to her, while talent remains important, success in today’s competitive marketplace requires creatives to develop sound business systems, identify profitable market opportunities and position their brands strategically.

“The future of Africa’s design industry lies in our ability to build structured, profitable and globally competitive businesses.

“Through this platform, we are empowering creatives to move beyond passion by developing strong business systems, identifying profitable niches, positioning their brands strategically, and building companies capable of competing on the global stage,” she said.

Njoku described the endorsement from the Presidency of the Republic of Ghana as a major milestone for the initiative, noting that it reinforces the vision of nurturing a new generation of African design entrepreneurs capable of competing internationally.

She said the recognition validates the programme’s mission of creating a platform where creativity meets business excellence, innovation drives economic growth and African designers are empowered to become global industry leaders.

Aisha Adedeji, an economist, urged participants to embrace financial intelligence as an essential ingredient for long-term business success.

Adedeji challenged creative entrepreneurs to look beyond artistic excellence by prioritising profitability, financial discipline, strategic investments and sustainable wealth creation.

Organisers said the programme extended beyond technical design skills to focus on leadership development, branding, customer experience, pricing models, business systems, operational efficiency and strategies for positioning African design brands on the international stage.

The initiative, they noted, is designed to bridge the gap between creative talent and business success by providing practical knowledge that enables participants to establish resilient and scalable enterprises.

Following the Abuja edition, the continental tour will move to Asaba on July 11, before heading to Accra, Ghana, on July 23, where participants will also hear from Dr. Daniel Moses, Chairman of Property Wealth Cooperation UK.

The programme will conclude with a grand finale in Johannesburg, South Africa, on September 17, 2026, featuring prominent business leaders, including Lebo Gunguluza, Chairman of GEM Group and a leading digital transformation strategist, alongside Boitsheko Ganyane, Chief Executive Officer of Distinguished Living South Africa.

Organisers said the continued expansion of the masterclass across Africa reflects growing recognition of the need to equip designers and architects with the entrepreneurial skills required to build sustainable businesses that contribute meaningfully to economic development.

They added that beyond serving as a professional development platform, the initiative is evolving into a continental movement aimed at transforming Africa’s creative industry by promoting business excellence, innovation and strategic leadership.

Njoku said she remains committed to advancing a vision in which African creativity is celebrated not only for its artistic innovation but also for its commercial success, global competitiveness and lasting contribution to the continent’s economic growth.