Olamiposi Somoye is a Nigerian multidisciplinary designer, educator and founder of fashion brand Rayo, whose practice spans fashion, education and technology. Currently a Lecturer at USC's Jimmy Iovine and Andre Young Academy, she has more than eight years' experience in university-level fashion and product design education, including teaching at FIDM.

Owobo Ogunde is an acclaimed actor, storyteller, and cultural custodian whose journey from Nigeria’s theatrical heritage to global screens offers a powerful perspective on creativity, identity, resilience, and the enduring influence of African stories.

Temilade Salami is a sustainability entrepreneur, climate advocate, and founder of Tuntunre, a pioneering circular fashion brand transforming discarded denim into premium products that celebrate African craftsmanship and environmental responsibility.

With nearly a decade of experience in climate action, strategic communications, and youth leadership, she has worked with global organisations including The Earthshot Prize, UNESCO, the Global Partnership for Education, HP, and C40 Cities to advance sustainability and climate solutions.

Asiko is a contemporary multidisciplinary artist whose practice explores identity, memory, heritage, and the evolving narratives of African life.

Tola Alade is a Nigerian-born founder, brand strategist and venture coach building companies that reshape how Africa is seen globally. He is the founder of DODO Rum and is o AFWL2026 Official Drinks Sponsor. Delicious!

One of the Moderators of the Future of African Fashion, meet Bisi Akins, founder of All Things Africa. Presenter, and cultural storyteller who preserves and celebrates African heritage through media, education, and curated experiences.

Joan Nantege is the founder and Creative Director of Joan Jade, an award-winning Ugandan fashion house renowned for its bespoke couture, bridalwear, and contemporary occasion wear. Joan will be presenting on the Future of African Fashion panel talk.

Bukky Asehinde is a creative ecosystem builder, entrepreneur, and founder of Bellafricana and TALES (The African Lifestyle Experience). Passionate about increasing the visibility and commercial success of African creative businesses, she has spent more than a decade creating platforms that connect designers, makers, and entrepreneurs with international markets through storytelling, strategic partnerships, business education, and market access.

Her latest venture, TALES House London, is a pioneering retail and cultural destination on Oxford Street, designed to help African and diaspora brands grow globally while celebrating the richness of African creativity.

Dr Avis Ellis-Charles is an internationally recognised couturier, fashion educator, creative director, and advocate for excellence in couture craftsmanship. With a distinguished career spanning bespoke fashion, higher education, and cultural heritage, she has dedicated her work to preserving traditional couture techniques while inspiring innovation in contemporary fashion.

Moderator of The Paul Smith Foundation Creative Panel Talk, meet Helen Jennings - Editor-in-Chief and co-founder of Nataal magazine. A journalist and cultural curator who champions African fashion, art, and creative voices globally.

Nick Hartwright is the Founder and CEO of Projekt, a pioneering social enterprise that transforms underused buildings into affordable workspaces, studios, and collaborative hubs for artists, designers, entrepreneurs, and creative businesses.

Katie Greenwood is a lecturer in Fashion Design at Manchester Fashion Institute, Manchester Metropolitan University, with over 20 years of experience designing for luxury, lifestyle, and streetwear brands.

Passionate about sustainable and ethical fashion, she equips the next generation of designers with the skills to create responsibly while responding to the evolving global fashion landscape.

Martha Mosse is the inaugural Director of Paul Smith's Foundation, where she leads programmes that equip emerging creatives with the skills, networks, and confidence to build sustainable careers.

Renata Brenha is a London-based Brazilian fashion designer whose eponymous label is internationally recognised for its innovative approach to sustainable fashion and material transformation.

Chido Kaseke is a Zimbabwean artisan, entrepreneur, and founder of PatCh Maokoe Zimbabwe, a slow fashion brand renowned for its handcrafted eco-conscious handbags and accessories.

Founder and Creative Director of Atieno Yarns, reimagining Kenyan crochet through contemporary fashion, craftsmanship, and cultural storytelling.

Meet Oliver Enwonwu, an internationally acclaimed artist, curator, and publisher championing African art, culture, and creative leadership on the global stage. Oliver will be imparting knowledge on the Creativity Beyond Borders panel discussion.

Ikanyeng Molemele is a digital transformation executive, technology strategist, and Chairperson of the Botswana Digital & Innovation Hub with extensive international experience leading innovation, ICT governance, and organisational change. She is an advocate for how technology in the creative industries can transform Africa.

Olori Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi – Founder of Africa Fashion Week London and a global champion of African fashion, heritage, and creative enterprise.

Andrea Djan-Krofa is the CEO of Women in Marketing Africa (WiM Africa), part of the Women in Marketing (WiM) Global network. She leads the pan-African platform advancing women in marketing, advertising, communications, and creative leadership across more than 20 African markets and the diaspora