AFWL Industry Day and Press Conference Highlights

Africa Fashion Week London brought together industry leaders, creatives, and innovators for an inspiring Industry Day and a landmark Press Conference celebrating the future of African fashion and its place on the global stage.

Industry Day Highlights
Designers from The British Council Creative DNA programme gathered, gathered for AFWL’s Industry Day, where they heard from three influential voices in fashion and business:

• Vivienne Austin – Renowned for her work championing African textiles and heritage.
• Joanna Maiden – Founder of SOKO Kenya, sharing insights on ethical production and scaling sustainable fashion.
• Dr Avis Charles – Global fashion consultant, offering a visionary perspective on market expansion for African brands.

Their collective expertise sparked dynamic discussions on sustainable growth, innovation, and how African designers can thrive in an evolving fashion landscape.

Press Conference Highlights

At the Press Conference, Queen Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, Founder of Africa Fashion Week London and the team at AFWL set the tone for what promises to be a historic 15th anniversary celebration. This year, AFWL is proud to host over 40 designers and over 50 exhibitors.

We heard from the brilliant team who have been working so hard to bring everything together. The energy in the room was electric, and the excitement for what’s ahead is officially at an all-time high.

AFWL proudly announced an exciting new partnership with Meta, opening new possibilities for innovation, storytelling, and global reach. We also unveiled the creative force behind our much-anticipated AI-designed collection acclaimed Nigerian designer Ifeanyi Nwune. This groundbreaking collaboration blends technology with artistry, showcasing how tradition and innovation can work hand in hand.

Taking our partnerships to new heights we also gave a sense of what our Official Aroma Partner, NeuroScent will showcase. Uniting the spirit of African heritage with the power of natural scent.

We also heard from our incredible partners and designers at The British Council who will be spotlighting the vibrant next generation of African fashion.

The Press Conference also highlighted AFWL’s first of it’s kind partnership with Disney Theatrical Group’s The Lion King, which is set to be a highlight of the 7pm catwalk show.

This was just a glimpse of the magic to come with brilliant designers and creatives from across Africa already making their mark.

AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON
9-10 AUGUST 2025
SPACE HOUSE
1 KEMBLE STREET
LONDON WC2B 4AN

ABOUT AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON

Africa Fashion Week London’s annual catwalk and exhibition event is one of the world’s largest and longest-running showcases of African and African-inspired fashion & design. Now in its 15th year, Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) has hosted 3000 emerging and established designers and exhibitors to 75,000 visitors, including buyers, retailers, industry professionals and global media.  Overall, 26 African countries and 67 countries have been represented, including diaspora designers from Brazil, Europe, Asia, the Caribbean and the Americas. Additionally, AFWL has produced 12 third-party events such as 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. Such is the importance of AFWL, that the initiative positively impacts, directly and indirectly, over 5000 individuals annually including SMEs, designers, tailors, textile designers, students, visitors, models, stylists, photographers, journalists, caterers, artists, tech and production staff and lovers of fashion.