POLI.design and LABA Douala

POLI.design International Affairs Director, Paola Galdi, and associate, Sofia d’Alessandro, together with Professor Giovanni Maria Conti, recently welcomed Professor Paul-Henri S. Assako, Director of LABA Douala, and Professor Ngonmo Michelle Francine, Director of LABA Douala Fashion Department and President of Afro Fashion Association, thanks to POLI.design participation to Cameroon’s Italian Design Day 2023 sponsored by Mancini Worldwide, represented by Alina Arat.  This meeting marks the inaugural step towards a promising and enduring collaboration between the two institutions, aimed at building educational bridges in the field of Design, connecting Italy and Africa.

Through this collaboration, POLI.design and LABA Douala aim to facilitate the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and experiences between two nations that own an incredibly rich design tradition. By pooling resources and knowledge, both institutions can offer a wider range of expertise, allowing students as well as Professors to access a more comprehensive Design education and foster an environment where innovation and creativity can thrive.

Thanks also to the academic paths offered by LABA Douala, the only Art & Design Academy in Central Africa, the African Design industry is contributing to economic growth and job creation. It empowers local artisans and entrepreneurs, supporting economic development, while focusing on sustainable and eco-friendly design practices that align with the growing global interest in environmentally conscious design.

Africa’s contribution to design culture, particularly in Fashion and Interior Design, is undeniable. Thus, POLI.design strives to be at the forefront of creating collaboration, innovation, and cultural exchange between Italy and Africa. By embracing the richness of African Design, POLI.design and LABA Douala aim to drive a more inclusive and innovative future for the global Design industry.