“Creative DNA has become the biggest fashion programme on the continent,” asserts Farai Ncube Tarwireyi, Regional Director for Sub-Saharan Africa at the British Council in Harare. “We are relevant, we are impactful and we are contributing to the global fashion narrative.” This is no empty boast. The East Africa Arts’ fashion incubator was first piloted in Kenya in 2020 to address policy, advocacy and skills training for a focussed group of local designers. Since then, CDNA has moved into Ethiopia, Uganda and Zimbabwe with accelerator courses offering business support, mentorship, grant-making and market access. Plus further activations have touched down in Malawi, Egypt, Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal and the UK.

Ncube Tarwireyi points out that this impressive expansion has required a nuanced approach. “First and foremost, I don’t believe there is anything called ‘African fashion’. These are designers who are grounded within the heritage of where they come from, and telling their own stories,” she says. “We are building alternative models that disrupt how fashion from Africa has been communicated in the past, and bringing that innovation and authenticity to the world stage.”

The results speak for themselves as CDNA’s alumni continues to prosper. So far, well over 200 designers have had the opportunity become self-sustaining, create jobs within their communities, increase sales by 25% and be seen beyond their borders. Success stories include IGC Fashion out of Kampala. The duo has grown from an upcycling concept to reinventing bark cloth for stage and screen, and this year is acting as the fashion voice for East Africa Tourism. Meanwhile Nairobi’s Enda sportswear kitted out the Comoros team for the 2024 Olympics and has just entered the US market.

This year’s CDNA programming brought 10 talents from six countries to London for meetings with buyers and press, mentorship sessions at the University of Westminster and an intimate networking event at the Africa Centre. The schedule culminated in a group show at Africa Fashion Week London 2025 (AFWL) where industry insiders were wowed by the breadth and quality of the line-up. “Being on these platforms has not only given the participants visibility but the confidence to share their journeys with their peers in the belief that there are no limitations,” Ncube Tarwireyi reflects.

Going forward, CDNA is planning a full programme launch in Ghana and to strengthen its network through a collaborative residency whereby designers from the UK and from across Africa will nourish each other’s practice. Ultimately, strength comes from unity and it is these emerging talents who are writing fashion’s future. As CDNA delegate Rumbidzai Matemachani puts it: “We have the craft, talent and skills within our communities. And through the support of CDNA, we have a voice to express ourselves. Together, we can build a tangible creative economy that changes lives – the time is now to bring each other up.”

Here we meet the CDNA 2025 coterie.

Jamie Bryan Kimani – Sevaria (Kenya)

“We explore tailoring swaps between menswear and womenswear, champion innovation in textiles, and celebrate craftsmanship at every step,” explains Jamie Bryan Kimani of Sevaria. Having launched the brand in 2018 and been part of CDNA from its inception, the Kenyan designer has “sparked necessary conversations” through his pioneering approach to gender positive fashion and nostalgic take on regional aesthetics. The latest ‘Safarini’ collection of safari-inspired pieces features braided sisal, handwoven cotton and lambskin as well as Maasai chain work. “CDNA has helped me to set up a strong foundation and present to multiple markets. Now I’m excited to be part of Kenya’s creative renaissance as it brings young voices to the fore.”

Sharon Wendo – Epica (Kenya)

Sharon Wendo has mastered the art of beading in Kenya and through Epica, she fashions them into extravagant body adornments. Recent accolades include a feature in Vogue Italia and being worn by afropop star Yemi Alade. At AFWL, she showed the ‘Maua’ (Swahili for ‘flowers’) collection. “It’s my tribute to femininity and a call to reclaim our bodies without shame. Let’s honour our curves, our skin, our scars and our stories,” she says. “These pieces fit and flatter the natural body, reminding us to love ourselves in whichever stage we are in our lives.” On CDNA, she adds: “I’ve learned about product development, brand positioning, pricing and the importance of balancing creativity with business strategy.”

Abwova Kevin – Kisero (Kenya)

Abwova Kevin’s father opened his shoe workshop in Rongai, greater Nairobi, 25 years ago. Now he honours that legacy with Kisero, the family’s premium bag brand. “Entitled ‘Mchumia Juani’ – drawn from the Kiswahili proverb ‘Mchumia juani hulia kivulini’ (Those who labour under the sun will one day dine in the shade) – our latest collection is a reflection of our journey from the dust and leather of our humble beginnings to the global stage,” Kevin says. “Each piece carries the weight of time, skill and resilience, revealing how far we have come. And thanks to CDNA, I know that Kisero can go on to carry our story of resilience while competing at the highest level.”

Yvonne Ahimbisibwe – Shwanda Kollection (Uganda)

With Shwanda Kollection, Yvonne Ahimbisibwe turns scrap into objects of beauty. Embracing recycled brass as her primary material, and working with local artisans in Uganda, the designer’s jewellery is striking in its afrocentric sensibilities. “We are a slow fashion brand dedicated to timeless jewellery with a bold cultural expression,” she says. At AFWL, she collaborated with Henri Uduku on the catwalk, her curvaceous bracelets, earrings and chokers setting off his laidback looks. “CDNA is an enabling environment that has helped me grow as a business leader and make strategic decisions that have led to intentional growth,” she says of the experience.

Rumbidzai Matemachani – Rungano Rwedu (Zimbabwe)

“My brand believes in the essence of ‘Ubuntu’ – I am because we are,” Rumbidzai Matemachani says. “Because it’s through human connection and strong community that we can all build prosperity.” The Zimbabwean bag designer expresses these convictions in Rungano Rwedu’s unabashed and boxy bags featuring shimmering woven leathers, cowrie shells and beading, each element representing Africa’s united cultures. “CDNA is about encouraging collaboration, which speaks to my brand’s ethos. Each designer is different and yet connected in the way we manifest pieces that bring life to the work of the hands. I hope to see all of us thrive.”

Daniel Getachew – Guzo Technologies (Ethiopia)

Guzo Technologies is an Ethiopian start-up offering AR/VR/XR services as well as robotics and loT prototyping. Founder Daniel Getachew joined CDNA to develop the TechStitched XR virtual catwalk experience featuring AI-generated avatars wearing designs by five different designers. “I see fashion as an immersive storytelling medium that can carry heritage, identity and innovation into the future,” he says. What excites Getachew most is the sustainability benefits of leveraging these technologies. “We can reduce the physical waste and carbon footprint typically associated with traditional fashion shows and we give designers digital tools to extend the life of their creations.”

Anyibama Adaeze Temitope – Black, Fine & Fly (Nigeria)

Denim is fashion’s ultimate leveller, and in Anyibama Adaeze Temitope’s hands, it’s a tool of self-empowerment, too. “Black, Fine & Fly merges unapologetic individuality with modern femininity, offering women the ability to express the many versions of themselves,” the Lagos-based designer says. “My ‘Sovereign. Not Soft’ collection is a declaration of strength and sensuality through denim pieces styled to transition from power to play.” CDNA enabled her to anchor the brand’s identity and boost the business. “In future I aim to launch collaborations that merge denim with other art forms, and deepen the storytelling through campaigns, AI-driven visual narratives and film.”

Henri Uduku (Nigeria)

Having already presented in Cairo and Harare with CDNA, Henri Uduku’s AFWL showcase evolved into an assured line-up of his best-known looks. Think casual sets and handkerchief dresses that come alive through his signature prints. “The idea of the brand is to connect people to culture, community and a refined way of living,” the Nigerian designer says. “CDNA has been both a learning ground and a launchpad, giving us the tools and relationships to grow with clarity and confidence. Collaboration will remain central to our future as we continue to break stereotypes around African fashion and push boundaries internationally.”

Darkwaa Edna – Ometsey (Ghana)

“Ometsey is the name given to first-born girls in my Ga Adangbe tribe, who are attributed the characteristics of being mentors and guardians,” Darkwaa Edna explains of her brand name. Having established the label in 2017, the Ghanaian designer has aspired to create timeless styles that “allow women of substance to lead with style and purpose”. And in 2025, it is mission accomplished, thanks to her refined tailoring and understated design flourishes. “Each piece becomes a staple, not because it’s ordinary but because it’s irreplaceable – a reminder that in simplicity there is strength and in quiet there is power.”

Dagmawit Tesfaye Yigrem – Dagmawit (Ethiopia)

Dagmawit Tesfaye Yigrem’s mission is to uplift vulnerable women in Ethiopia through embroidery skills and bringing the country’s classic attire into contemporary wardrobes. “Dagmawit celebrates our heritage while reimagining it for the modern world,” she says. “Each piece reinterprets Habesha Kemis and other cultural motifs into new shapes, colours and finishes. The result speaks both to Ethiopian pride and to a global audience eager for unique cultural expression.” The designer has showed at Hub of Africa fashion week in Addis Ababa with CDNA and has gained column inches in both Business of Fashion and Vogue Italia hailing her exquisitely finished designs.