SOLEIL is a Zimbabwean streetwear brand grounded in identity and shaped by the spirit of Africa. Founded in 2023 in Harare, Zimbabwe, the brand approaches sustainability with intention through thoughtful design, storytelling, and a quiet sense of purpose.

Supported by the British Council’s Creative DNA programme, the brand blends cultural symbolism with modern silhouettes, allowing heritage and the present to co-exist. Each piece is made using upcycled and locally sourced materials.

Ohana Family Wear is redefining African swim and resort wear through bold design, cultural storytelling, and unapologetic representation. Founded in Kenya by Neema Nkatha Kinoti, the brand emerged from a powerful mission: to create authentic African-inspired swimwear in an industry where African identity had long been overlooked.

Supported by the British Council Creative DNA 2026 programme, Ohana has grown into one of East Africa’s most exciting contemporary lifestyle brands — blending vibrant African aesthetics with modern silhouettes, performance functionality, and luxury resort energy.

Supported by the British Council’s Creative DNA programme, Founder and Creative Director Maurice Niyigena of Matheo Studio, is a fashion and costume designer. He is passionate about using fashion, art, and creativity to tell African stories, empower youth and women, and inspire positive change through design and culture.

Supported by the British Council’s Creative DNA programme, Republic of Africa is a fashion and cultural innovation company driven by one mission: to restore Africa’s self-belief and elevate the black experience in the world. Born from the legacy of WEAR Ghana - the brand built into one of Ghana’s most loved fashion houses over the past decade - Republic of Africa is the next chapter.

Supported by the British Council’s Creative DNA programme, Atieno Studio is a contemporary Kenyan fashion brand redefining crochet through bold summer and resort wear.

Supported by the British Council Creative DNA 2026 programme, DIMEJI ILORI approaches fashion as wearable art — exploring identity, spirituality, memory, and quiet power through handcrafted garments designed to be experienced as much as worn.

Introducing one of the Creative DNA’s 2026 cohort showcasing at AFWL2026.

Founded in December 2021, Mastewal Alemu is a contemporary Ethiopian fashion brand based in Addis Ababa. Over the past four years, the brand has established itself as a rising force in sustainable African luxury.