By Yemisi Suleiman

As part of the highly anticipated Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) 2026, the AFWL in conjunction with the British Council is set to host the Creative Panel Talks. The event will bring together some of the world’s leading designers, educators, entrepreneurs, artists, journalists and creative leaders for a full day of insightful conversations focused on the future of Africa’s creative economy.

Scheduled for Tuesday, August 19, at the British Council Headquarters, 1 Redman Place, Stratford Cross, London, the event will explore key issues ranging from preserving traditional artisanship and advancing sustainability to unlocking international trade, embracing technology and strengthening Africa’s creative ecosystems.

The talks will be hosted by Olori Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, Founder of Africa Fashion Week London and Nigeria; Farai Ncube, Arts and Culture Director for Africa at the British Council; Bola Obileye, Creative Director of Africa Fashion Week London; and Anna Marie Benedict, Press and PR Director at Africa Fashion Week London and Producer of the Creative Panel Talks.

The programme will feature four themed panel discussions and a fireside chat.

The first panel, “The Importance of African Fashion in Higher Education,” will examine the growing role of African fashion within global academic institutions. Speakers include Gavin Douglas, Reader in Fashion Identity and Equity at Manchester Metropolitan University; Katie Greenwood, Lecturer in Fashion Design at Manchester Fashion Institute; and Nike Awoyinka, founder of Refounding and cultural strategist currently supporting NABA London’s new campus.

The second discussion, “Creative DNA x Studio Smithfield: Nurturing the Next Generation of Creative Talent,” will focus on developing emerging creatives through collaboration and innovation. Moderated by Helen Jennings, Editor-in-Chief of Nataal magazine, the panel features Nick Hartwright, Martha Mosse, Renata Brenha, Chido Kaseke and Bettydora Odhiambo.

The third panel, “Creativity Beyond Borders,” will bring together Oliver Enwonwu, Ikanyeng Molemele, Temilade Salami, Andrea Djan-Krofa and Tola Alade to discuss innovation, sustainability, technology and global opportunities for African creatives.

The final session, “The Future of African Fashion,” moderated by Bisi Akins, will feature Dr Avis Ellis-Charles, Bidemi Olujimi, Bukky Asehinde and Joan Nantege as they examine the evolving landscape of African fashion and its future potential.

The event will conclude with a fireside chat on “Heritage & Identity,” hosted by award-winning fashion designer Samson Soboye alongside multidisciplinary artist Àsìkò, exploring identity, memory and the evolving narratives of African life.

Registration opens at 9.30 a.m., with the talks and drinks reception running from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Now in its 16th year, Africa Fashion Week London remains one of the world’s largest and longest-running showcases of African and African-inspired fashion and design. Over the years, AFWL has hosted more than 3,000 emerging and established designers and exhibitors, attracting over 80,000 visitors, including buyers, retailers, industry professionals and international media.

The platform has represented 26 African countries and participants from 67 countries worldwide, including designers from the diaspora across Europe, the Americas, Asia, Brazil and the Caribbean. Beyond its annual showcase, AFWL has also delivered major collaborative events including the Southbank Centre’s Africa Utopia and Meltdown Festival, the Mayor of London’s Africa on the Square, and the Africa Centre’s Summer Festival.

The initiative continues to make a significant contribution to the creative economy, positively impacting more than 5,000 people annually, including designers, SMEs, textile producers, students, models, stylists, photographers, journalists, artists, caterers, production professionals and fashion enthusiasts.