AFWL x LSEE Executive Programme
We are thrilled to share highlights from the first-of-its-kind impactful two-day Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) Executive Programme, hosted at the prestigious London School of Economics Enterprise (LSEE) and supported by Woodhall Capital Foundation on May 22–23, 2025.
This immersive programme brought together the first cohort of over 40 African creatives, fashion leaders, entrepreneurs, academics, and change-makers to explore the intersection of fashion, business, and sustainability. This programme was truly history in the making.
📍 Day One: Fashion Economics & Entrepreneurship
The event commenced with a warm welcome from Course Director and Associate Professor of Health, Dr Rocco Friebel; First Lady of Kwara State, Her Excellency, Ambassador Dr Olufolake Abdulrazaq, who is also the Matron of Africa Fashion Week London and Mrs Moji Wusu of the Woodhall Capital Foundation who supported the programme. Each welcome set the tone for an empowering and insightful experience.
Led by Dr Joanne Conlon, this session unpacked the economic landscape of the global fashion industry. Attendees explored emerging consumer trends, digital growth tools, and strategic approaches to scaling fashion businesses internationally.
Professor Elisabetta Lazzaro guided participants through the intricacies of managing and growing a fashion business, with a strong focus on internationalisation and stimulating sector-wide growth.
The day concluded with a vibrant networking reception, allowing participants to exchange ideas and forge new collaborations.
🌱 Day Two: Sustainability & Brand Strategy
Professor Pammi Sinha took the stage to discuss sustainable fashion from both consumer and production standpoints. She explored design strategies that prioritise durability and profitability through efficiency.
In a dynamic closing session, Fiona Uwamahoro shared tools for using policy and marketing to craft powerful brand identities. Her session highlighted market analysis, storytelling, and strategic positioning in African and global contexts.
The event concluded with closing remarks from Queen Ronke and Mrs Bola Obileye. A celebratory reception and certificate presentation was hosted, honouring the journey of each participant.
Queen Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, Founder of Africa Fashion Week London, shared:
“Bringing Africa Fashion Week London to the London School of Economics marks a new era of empowerment. It is more than fashion, it's about economic liberation, cultural pride, and preparing our creatives to lead globally. We are proud to be building this bridge.”
Mrs. Bola Obileye, Creative Director at Africa Fashion Week London and Head of the AFWL LSEE Education Partnership, reflected:
“This masterclass was a transformative experience. It offered our designers and entrepreneurs not just knowledge, but a vision of how African fashion can thrive on the world stage through strategy, sustainability, and storytelling.”
🎓 A Step Forward for African Fashion Leadership
This Executive Masterclass equipped attendees with actionable insights and strategies to drive fashion innovation, sustainability, and brand excellence on a global scale. We look forward to seeing the incredible impact these leaders will make in shaping the future of African fashion.
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