Creative Seminars
10am - 5pm, Thursday 20 August 2026
British Council Headquarters
1 Redman Place, Stratford Cross
London E20 1JQ
At Africa Fashion Week London, we believe that knowledge is as important as the runway. Our seminars and industry masterclasses bring together leading designers, entrepreneurs, educators, and creative innovators to share practical insights, business expertise, and real-world experience. Covering topics from design innovation and sustainability to branding, technology, retail, and international trade, these sessions are designed to equip emerging and established creatives with the tools, connections, and confidence to build sustainable businesses
9:30am - Registration & Welcome
10am- 11am - Seminar 1 - Intra-African Logistics: Unlocking the Future of African Fashion Trade
Despite the opportunities presented by AfCFTA, it remains easier to ship fashion products from Africa to Europe than across the continent itself.
This seminar explores the logistical, policy and infrastructure barriers restricting intra-African trade, and examines practical solutions for building a connected Pan-African fashion distribution network that drives growth, collaboration and economic prosperity.
Artificial Intelligence is transforming the creative industries at an unprecedented pace, presenting both exciting opportunities and complex challenges for designers.
In this thought-provoking seminar, Oje Ojeaga, CEO and Chief Creative Officer of Up In The Sky, explores how AI is reshaping the creative landscape and how designers can harness it without losing the originality, authenticity and craftsmanship that define great design.
11:00- 12:00pm - Seminar 2 - AI In Design
12:00 - 1:00pm - Seminar 3 - Scaling Creativity
How do you transform traditional craftsmanship into a globally recognised design brand without losing its authenticity?
Award-winning designer Eva Sonaike shares her journey of building an international interiors and textile business, exploring how creativity, technology, and entrepreneurship can work together to preserve heritage while creating commercially sustainable brands.
Through practical insights and personal experience, this session will examine design development, digital tools, marketing, customer engagement, and the mindset required to scale a creative business for international markets.
1:00 - 5:00pm - Workshop 5 - Designer Surgeries with Dr Avis Charles (AFWL Designer Participants Only
Our participating Creative DNA designers are invited to attend a Designer Skills Workshop — a one-to-one “Designer Surgery” session with esteemed industry professional Dr Avis Charles. These sessions are full of practical advice and guidance to ensure every collection or product meets a high standard of quality and presentation on our catwalks and in our exhibition halls.
