Breakout 1
|
Saturday
|
9:00 am
Aldrich 112

Weaving the Future: Creating Africa’s Fashion Blueprint from Within

Despite flashes of global attention, African fashion brands often struggle to achieve lasting prominence. Too often, Africa’s fashion industry is measured against Western frameworks - fashion houses, fashion weeks, and global runways - that fail to align with the continent’s unique resources, market dynamics, and strengths like sustainability and local artisanship. This panel will challenge these conventions, exploring how African brands can forge a resilient and distinctly African fashion ecosystem by harnessing the talent, traditions, and opportunities already present within the continent, to create a model that thrives locally and competes globally.

Weaving the Future: Creating Africa’s Fashion Blueprint from Within

Despite flashes of global attention, African fashion brands often struggle to achieve lasting prominence. Too often, Africa’s fashion industry is measured against Western frameworks - fashion houses, fashion weeks, and global runways - that fail to align with the continent’s unique resources, market dynamics, and strengths like sustainability and local artisanship. This panel will challenge these conventions, exploring how African brands can forge a resilient and distinctly African fashion ecosystem by harnessing the talent, traditions, and opportunities already present within the continent, to create a model that thrives locally and competes globally.

America/New_York
Feb 15, 2025 9:00 AM
Aldrich 112

Other Sessions

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Breakout 2
|
Fireside Chat
Friday
|
6:15 pm
Spangler Auditorium
Culture
In Conversation with Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe: Leadership and Legacy
A fireside conversation with the founder of African Fashion International.
More info

In Conversation with Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe: Leadership and Legacy

Join Precious Moloi-Motsepe, Founder of African Fashion International, for an intimate fireside conversation about her journey building one of the continent's most influential fashion platforms. From championing emerging African designers to staging Africa's premier fashion weeks, Motsepe shares her vision for the creative economy as a driver of economic growth and cultural pride across the continent.

America/New_York
Mar 27, 2026 6:15 PM
Spangler Auditorium
Host
Moderator
Ebehi Iyoha
More Info
Breakout 1
|
Saturday
|
9:00 am
Aldrich 110
Startups
The Next Frontier: Acquiring and Leading Businesses Across Africa
The growing opportunity for entrepreneurship through acquisition across African markets.
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The Next Frontier: Acquiring and Leading Businesses Across Africa

Entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA) is emerging as a powerful pathway for a new generation of African business leaders to acquire, transform, and scale existing enterprises across the continent. This panel brings together practitioners and investors to discuss the unique opportunities and challenges of the ETA model in African markets, from deal sourcing to post-acquisition value creation.

America/New_York
Mar 28, 2026 9:00 AM
Aldrich 110
More Info
Breakout 3
|
Saturday
|
2:30 pm
Aldrich 110
Ecosystem Development
Affordable Housing in Rapidly Growing Cities
Innovative solutions for Africa's urban housing challenge.
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Affordable Housing in Rapidly Growing Cities

Africa's cities are growing faster than anywhere else on the planet, creating an unprecedented demand for affordable housing. This panel explores innovative approaches to financing, building, and governing housing at scale — from new construction technologies to creative policy frameworks — that can help African cities meet the needs of their rapidly expanding populations.

America/New_York
Mar 28, 2026 2:30 PM
Aldrich 110
More Info
Breakout 2
|
Saturday
|
1:30 pm
Aldrich 111
Culture
Ready, Set, Action: Investing in African Film
Unlocking investment and growth in Africa's rapidly evolving film industry.
More info

Ready, Set, Action: Investing in African Film

African cinema is experiencing a renaissance, with stories from the continent capturing global audiences and generating significant commercial returns. This panel explores the business of African film — from financing and distribution to content creation and intellectual property — and how investors and creators can work together to build a thriving, self-sustaining African film industry.

America/New_York
Mar 28, 2026 1:30 PM
Aldrich 111
Strong bonds

Africa Focused,


Globally connected

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