Original Story Published by: British Council, www.african.business
Photo Source: British Council / CANEX
The Creative Africa Nexus 2023, which took place at the Intra-Africa Trade Fair (IATF) in Cairo, offered visitors a unique opportunity to interact with some of the most creative minds on the continent today. CANEX 2023 was a celebration of Africa, its culture, writing, gastronomy, film and fashion. One of the areas that saw substantial foot traffic throughout the event was the British Council pavilion – which showcased fashion designers, supported by the organisation’s Creative DNA programme.
The African fashion scene is vibrant, diverse, and innovative. This is reflected in the rich cultural heritage and contemporary realities of the continent. From the colourful prints of West Africa to the elegant drapes of East Africa, from the bold patterns of North Africa to the minimalist chic of Southern Africa, African fashion designers are creating stunning pieces that appeal to local and global audiences alike.
However, despite an abundance of talent and creativity in the continent, African fashion designers face challenges transitioning from passion and art to creating a successful business. This is where the British Council’s Creative DNA programme comes in. This is a programme specifically designed to accelerate fashion businesses by nurturing designers’ skills, knowledge, and networks in Africa and the UK.
Following the success of the Creative DNA programme in Kenya – where three cohorts have been completed to date – it has since expanded to Ethiopia, Senegal, and Uganda. The programme is now set to launch in more countries across sub-Saharan Africa next year including Nigeria, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Ghana, offering the opportunities presented by Creative DNA to more African fashion designers.
To read the full article, visit www.african.business.
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