The UX Design Awards (TUXA) 2026 is set to recognise exceptional talent, creativity and impact across Nigeria’s growing design and technology ecosystem, bringing attention to individuals and organisations whose contributions are advancing the industry.
Organised by UX Thrive, TUXA is an initiative dedicated to celebrating excellence in user experience, product design, innovation, mentorship and community development. The awards seek to highlight not only outstanding creative work but also the individuals helping others grow, building innovative products and creating meaningful opportunities within the technology sector.
As artificial intelligence continues to transform how digital products are developed and experienced, the 2026 edition places particular emphasis on innovation, leadership and the evolving role of design in technology.
Recognising Excellence Beyond Design
TUXA 2026 features a diverse range of award categories celebrating both established professionals and emerging talent.
These include UX Designer of the Year, Emerging Designer of the Year, Design Mentor of the Year, Design Community of the Year, Tech Founder of the Year, AI Driven Design Innovation Award, Design Thought Leader of the Year, Design Content Creator of the Year, Women Led Tech Innovation Award, Tech Supporter of the Year, and the Made in Nigeria; Global Impact Award.
Together, these categories reflect the growing influence of design across entrepreneurship, education, technology development and social impact.
The awards also recognise that building a strong technology ecosystem requires more than individual excellence. Mentors, community builders, educators and supporters all play important roles in developing the next generation of African innovators.
A Judging Process Focused on Merit and Impact
Following the nomination phase, TUXA 2026 has completed its evaluation stage, with an appointed panel of industry professionals reviewing nominees across the award categories.
Judges were tasked with assessing nominees based on relevant achievements, demonstrated contributions, innovation and impact. The process produced a shortlist of nominees, who now advance to the public voting stage, which is open at tuxawards.com/voting.
The organisers say the combination of professional assessment and community participation is intended to promote credible recognition while giving the wider design ecosystem an opportunity to celebrate outstanding contributors.
Meet the Nominees
UX Designer of the Year: Monsurat Ojuolape Olatunji (@techbabby), Samuel Irinyemi (@samirinyemi), Babatunde Yusuf (@bafrekauiux), Bless Benedict Afetsi, Jesutofunmi Oluwatosin and Pamela Ohaeri.
Emerging Designer of the Year: Ademola Olayinka, Oluwaferanmi Alabede, Razaq Momodu, Olamide G. Emmanuel and Elizabeth Oginni.
Design Mentor of the Year: Joel Prince Chisom, Nnamdi Awili, Dennis Obaro, Pamela Ohaeri, Amarachi Iwueze and Folashade Adegbite.
Design Thought Leader of the Year: Pamela Ohaeri (@pamelathedesigner), Dennis Obaro, Mariam Y. Yusuf, Emmanuel Agbo and Rukayat (@theruqayyah).
Design Content Creator of the Year: Timothy (@timmyyoungsgfx), Azeez (@graphixbyazeez), Tega (@tegadesigns1), Chinonso (@umehchinonso01), Emilia (@milia_works) and Nkeiruka (@uxenkay).
Design Community of the Year: Tech Tribe, Design & Grow Club, Prompts to Pixels, Dezin Academy and Wetech.
AI Driven Design Innovation Award: Pewbeam, Voice Copilot and BimpeAI.
Women Led Tech Innovation Award: Forma Design Studio (Monsurat Ojuolape Olatunji) and Voice Copilot (Goodness Adebayo).
Tech Supporter of the Year: Abayomi Semudara (@semudaraabayomi), Samuel Irinyemi (@samirinyemi) and Muhammed Abiodun Mustapha (@flairman_).
Made in Nigeria Product Designer of the Year: Gabriella Echebiri, Mariam Y. Yusuf and Abraham John.
Building a Culture of Recognition
According to Olawale Bamidele, founder of UX Thrive and convener of Think UX, recognising talent is an important part of strengthening the African technology ecosystem.
“Across Africa, talented designers, founders, mentors and innovators are creating remarkable work, often without the visibility or recognition their contributions deserve. TUXA is about building a platform where excellence is seen, celebrated and encouraged.”
The initiative is also designed to inspire emerging professionals by showcasing examples of meaningful career growth, innovation and leadership.
For aspiring designers, the awards provide an opportunity to discover industry role models and understand the diverse ways professionals can contribute to the development of technology.
Connecting Recognition With the Future of Design
TUXA 2026 forms part of the wider Think UX 2026 experience, which will bring together designers, developers, founders, product managers and other technology professionals in Lagos.
The conference, themed “UX in the Era of AI,” will explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the design profession and creating new possibilities for product development and innovation.
By connecting industry conversations with professional recognition, the organisers aim to create an experience that both examines the future of design and celebrates those helping to shape it.
Think UX 2026 is scheduled for Saturday, 7 November 2026, at Tripple C Event Center, Commercial Avenue, Alara Street, Sabo Yaba, Lagos. Tickets are available here.
Further information about TUXA 2026, including finalist announcements and subsequent voting updates, will be available through the official awards platform.
Website: https://tuxawards.com
