FashionEVO Summit 2026 Sparks Bold Conversations on the Future of African Fashion

The inaugural FashionEVO Summit Zambia 2026 successfully convened fashion industry leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, academics, creatives and development partners for a day of transformative dialogue focused on advancing Africa's fashion industry.

Held at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka, the Summit provided a platform for meaningful conversations on innovation, sustainability, policy, market access and the role of fashion as a driver of economic growth across the continent.

Bringing together speakers and delegates from Zambia, Nigeria and beyond, the Summit explored practical pathways for strengthening Africa's fashion ecosystem through collaboration, investment and knowledge exchange.

The programme featured a keynote address by Mr. Kangwa Chileshe, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, who underscored the importance of the creative industries in driving inclusive economic development and positioning African fashion as a competitive global force.

Throughout the day, attendees engaged in a series of panel discussions covering critical issues shaping the industry, including:

• Structuring Africa's fashion economy for global competitiveness
• The role of fashion in preserving heritage and strengthening cultural identity.
• Building structured pathways for African brands to access international markets.
• Scaling fashion businesses beyond local borders.
• Developing Africa's premium accessories market through stronger value chains.
• Safeguarding African creativity through intellectual property protection and supportive policy frameworks.

The Summit brought together an accomplished lineup of speakers and moderators, including Ejiro Amos Tafiri, Mariam Musa, Lilly Alfonso, Blessing Ebere Achu, Faith M. Kabende, Kiki Okewale, Chisanga Kapumpa, Annie Oti, and several other respected voices from across the African fashion ecosystem, each contributing valuable insights drawn from their expertise and experience.

Speaking at the close of the Summit, Dr Yetty Ogunnubi, Founder of FashionEVO, reaffirmed the platform's commitment to creating spaces that move the African fashion industry forward.

"FashionEVO was established to foster collaboration, amplify African excellence and create opportunities that strengthen our creative industries. Today's Summit demonstrated what is possible when industry leaders, policymakers and entrepreneurs come together with a shared vision for the future of African fashion."

The Summit concluded with a VIP Networking & Industry Mixer, providing delegates, speakers and partners with an opportunity to deepen conversations, build strategic relationships and explore new avenues for collaboration.

As FashionEVO continues to expand its footprint across the continent, the Zambia edition reinforces the platform's mission of connecting ideas, people and opportunities that contribute to the sustainable growth of Africa's fashion and creative economy.