British Council Creative DNA
We are delighted to welcome back our partnership with the British Council’s Creative DNA Programme as part of Africa Fashion Week London 2026 with a collaboration that continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of African fashion.
In the lead-up to the AFWL2026 live shows, the British Council offices in Stratford will become a dynamic hub of creativity and exchange, hosting four days of activations designed to support, challenge and elevate participating designers.
Across the continent, there is no shortage of creativity. What is often missing, however, is structured access to industry knowledge, international markets, manufacturing networks and sustainable pathways to scale. The Creative DNA Programme responds directly to this need, supporting designers not just as creatives but as entrepreneurs navigating a complex global industry. It is this kind of intentional investment that is critical to unlocking Africa’s full creative and economic potential.
We welcome the new cohort of designers from Nigeria, Ghana, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe and Kenya.
British Council (@southernafricaarts @eastafricaarts @britishcouncilet @ngbritisharts @britisharts)
Supported by the British Council’s Creative DNA programme, Xufan is an Ethiopian Afro-futuristic fashion and lifestyle brand founded by designer and digital artist Solome Kiflu. Rooted in storytelling, self-expression, and cultural identity, Xufan blends Ethiopian heritage with futuristic design, gaming culture, cinematic fashion, and contemporary streetwear to create immersive wearable art.
JOAN JADE is a Ugandan based clothing brand, dedicated to crafting outfits that honour the African heritage while appealing to modern contemporary tastes since 2021.
Inspired by art, heritage, cultural diversity and history, Our design philosophy centres on three core principles; authenticity, superior craftsmanship and individual expression. Supported by the British Council’s Creative DNA programme, the brand works closely with local artisans and use high quality sustainable materials sourced both locally and internationally.
Supported by the British Council’s Creative DNA programme, PatCh is a Zimbabwean accessories brand that uses handcrafted design to preserve and reinterpret cultural identity through contemporary fashion. At the heart of PatCh is a commitment to slow craftsmanship. Each handbag is thoughtfully handmade using time-honoured techniques that celebrate artistry, attention to detail, and the human touch in an increasingly fast-paced fashion industry.
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.