Creative Panel Talks - Africa Fashion Week London

Africa Fashion Week London
About this Event

AFWL x British Council Creative DNA Programme
Creative Panel Talks 2026

Tuesday 18 August 2026

9:30am – 6:00pm

British Council Headquarters, 1 Redman Place, Stratford, London E20 1JQ

Join Africa Fashion Week London and the British Council Creative DNA Programme for a full day of inspiring conversations exploring the future of African fashion, creativity, education and global collaboration.

Bringing together internationally recognised designers, educators, artists, entrepreneurs and industry leaders, this year's Panel Talks will explore how African creativity is reshaping higher education, influencing global markets and creating new opportunities across fashion, business and the creative economy.

The programme is brought to you by Olori Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, hosted throughout the day by Bola Obileye, and produced by Anna Marie Benedict, bringing together some of the most influential voices from across Africa and the diaspora for a day of ideas, inspiration and connections.

For a full list of our speakers, please visit our website: https://www.africafashionweeklondonuk.com/creative-panel-talks

Panel Highlights

The Importance of African Design in Higher Education

How are African design, textiles and cultural heritage transforming fashion education? Hear from academic leaders and researchers from Manchester Metropolitan University and Winchester School of Art as they discuss introducing the next generation of creative talent to African design voices.

Creative DNA x Studio Smithfield: Nurturing the Next Generation of Creative Talents.

Presented in partnership with the British Council Creative DNA Programme and the Creative DNA x Studio Smithfield, and hosted by renowned fashion journalist Helen Jennings, this session explores creativity, collaboration and new pathways for emerging designers and creative entrepreneurs.

African Creativity Beyond Borders

How is African creativity influencing the world? Join Oliver Enwonwu, Kojo Marfo (My Runway Group), Andrea Djan-Krofa (Women in Marketing Africa) and Ikanyeng Molemele (Botswana Digital & Innovation Hub) as they discuss innovation, cultural influence, entrepreneurship and Africa's growing global creative impact.

The Future of African Fashion

Hosted by Bisi Akins (All Things Africa), this lively discussion features celebrated designer Dimeji Ilori, influencer Bidemi, Ugandan designer Joan Jade and Bukky "Bella Africana" Asehinde, Founder of Tales House, London's newest luxury African fashion destination. Together they will explore brand building, digital influence, retail opportunities and what it takes to build globally recognised African fashion businesses.

Fireside Chat: Heritage & Identity

We conclude the day with an intimate conversation hosted by Samson Soboye, featuring multidisciplinary artist Asiko, exploring how heritage, identity and storytelling continue to inspire contemporary African design.

Whether you're a designer, student, entrepreneur, buyer, educator or simply passionate about African fashion and culture, these conversations offer an unrivalled opportunity to hear directly from the people shaping the future of Africa's creative economy.

Registration opens at 9:30am. We encourage guests to arrive early to network with fellow creatives and industry professionals before the day's discussions begin. Places are limited, so reserve your ticket today and join us for one of the most anticipated industry events of Africa Fashion Week London 2026.

Agenda

🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Registration
🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Welcome remarks by Olori Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi and Farai Ncube.
🕑: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Panel 1 – The Importance of African Design in Higher Education
🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Panel 2 – Creative DNA x Studio Smithfield: Next Gen of Creative Talents
🕑: 12:30 PM - 01:30 PM
Networking Lunch
🕑: 01:30 PM - 02:30 PM
Panel 3 – African Creativity Beyond Borders
🕑: 03:30 PM - 04:30 PM
Panel 4 – The Future of African Fashion
🕑: 04:30 PM - 05:30 PM
Panel 5 - Fireside Chat – Heritage & Identity
🕑: 05:30 PM - 06:00 PM
Closing Remarks & Networking Reception