What is the AIDA Award?
A Global Stage for Africa
The AIDA Award (Africa International Design Awards) is far more than just a design trophy. Making its debut in 2026, it serves as a global stage for exceptional talent from Africa and beyond. It was established to honor visionary work that addresses contemporary challenges and meaningfully shapes the future of design on the continent. To prevail in this inspiring environment, surrounded by the sheer force of African innovation, means a lot to us.
Why this award is so significant:
A Unique Perspective
The award recognizes design as a tool for problem-solving—addressing everything from rapid urbanization to social inequality.
Top-Tier Expertise
The jury consists of 41 leading experts, cultural figures, and creative icons from 18 nationalities. Led by Bibi Seck, the jury described this first edition as a "creative revolution."
Rooted in Excellence
Behind the award is a strong alliance between the 3C Awards Group and the Africa Design School (ADS) in Benin. The goal: to not only celebrate African design but to connect and promote it globally.
The Sonnenglas® SOMO® Solar Lighting System
More Than Just a Module
For those of you who have been with us for a while: you know that the is the technological heart of all our products. It is the flexible engine of the entire Sonnenglas® ecosystem. Born out of necessity for communities without stable access to electricity, it has evolved over the years into a revolutionary modular system. Seeing it receive this special recognition in Eco Design fills us with immense pride.
Why the jury was convinced:
- Modular Sustainability: The SOMO® can be used as an independent pocket light or integrated into our , , and all future products. This reduces electronic waste and makes the system future-proof.
- High-Tech Meets the Sun: With up to 100 hours of light on a full charge, USB-C fast charging, stepless dimming, and an intelligent day/night automated switch, it sets new standards in solar lighting. It is a reliable companion, whether you're camping or facing load-shedding in Johannesburg.
- Green Production: Our factory in South Africa is powered by over 90% self-generated solar energy. We use recycled glass and meticulously monitor the environmental impact of every single component.
- The "Blue Angel": As the world’s first solar light to carry the prestigious German "Blue Angel" eco-label, the SOMO® is certified for its extreme durability and minimal environmental footprint.
A Victory for the Community
Handmade in Johannesburg
A central criterion of the AIDA Awards is local impact. All Sonnenglas products are created in our . We pay wages that far exceed the local minimum wage and offer young talents genuine new opportunities. Every SOMO® is proof that high-end technology and fair working conditions can, and should, go hand in hand in Africa.
Design with Impact
In a neighborhood struggling with high unemployment, we create jobs and perspectives, particularly for women and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. For us, sustainability doesn't just mean environmental protection, it means economic empowerment.
Naturally, design at Sonnenglas is a team effort. This award belongs not just to our designers, but to our entire team in South Africa, who work every day to merge social responsibility with high-end engineering. Bibi Seck, Head of the AIDA Jury, put it perfectly: “Our community of designers is not only growing, it is maturing - becoming sharper, more inventive, more rooted. We witness intelligent responses to our realities, born from within.” This "putting down roots" and leveraging local strengths has been our driving force since day one.
What’s Next?
"Light for a Brighter Future"
Bibi Seck spoke of a "creative revolution" in Africa, and we are proud to be a part of it. The SOMO® replaces hazardous light sources like kerosene lamps with a clean, safe, and beautiful alternative. To us, it is a symbol of hope, showing how intelligent design, local value creation, and respect for our planet can bring about real change.
Celebrate With Us!
The official awards ceremony and conferences will take place in Cotonou, Benin, at the end of July 2026. We can’t wait to celebrate this moment with the African design community and be part of the movement that is currently taking the continent by storm.
A huge thank you to you, our community! This award belongs to every one of you who believes in the power of the sun and fair production. Thank you for accompanying us on this journey and for helping us make the world a little bit brighter.
Let’s keep shining together!
Your Sonnenglas Team