FashionEVO Summit Zambia 2026 brought together leading designers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, academics, creatives and development partners to shape Africa’s fashion industry. The inaugural summit created a platform for high-level discussions on innovation, sustainability, policy development, market access and the growing role of fashion as a catalyst for economic transformation across the continent.
Held at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka, the event welcomed delegates from Zambia, Nigeria and several other African countries, fostering collaboration and practical solutions for strengthening the continent’s fashion ecosystem.
Industry Leaders Unite to Drive Growth
The summit opened with a keynote by Mr. Kangwa Chileshe. He highlighted the creative industry’s role in inclusive economic development. He emphasized the importance of positioning African designers and fashion businesses to compete successfully on the global stage.
Throughout the day, industry experts shared actionable insights. They emphasized collaboration, investment and innovation for sustainable fashion industry growth.
Key Discussions Shaping the Future of Fashion
Panel sessions explored some of the industry’s most pressing opportunities and challenges, including:
- Structuring Africa’s fashion economy for global competitiveness.
- Preserving cultural heritage through fashion and creative expression.
- Creating structured pathways for brands to enter international markets.
- Scaling fashion businesses beyond domestic borders.
- Strengthening value chains within the premium accessories market.
- Protecting creative works through intellectual property and supportive policy frameworks.
These conversations provided valuable strategies for building a more resilient, competitive and globally connected fashion industry.
Influential Voices Share Industry Expertise
The summit featured 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 and Annie Oti, alongside several other respected industry leaders. Their collective expertise offered attendees practical insights into entrepreneurship, policy, branding, sustainability and cross-border collaboration.
Commitment to Long-Term Industry Development
Closing the event, Dr. Yetty Ogunnubi reaffirmed the platform’s commitment. She emphasized creating opportunities that strengthen Africa’s creative industries.
“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 event concluded with a VIP Networking and Industry Mixer, allowing delegates, speakers and partners to build meaningful relationships, exchange ideas and explore future collaborations.
As the platform continues to expand across the continent, the Zambia edition reinforces its mission of connecting people, ideas and opportunities that contribute to the sustainable growth of Africa’s fashion and creative economy.
About FashionEVO
FashionEVO is a pioneering platform dedicated to promoting African fashion and empowering creative entrepreneurs through innovative programmes, industry events and strategic partnerships.
Based in Nigeria, the platform bridges creativity and opportunity by showcasing outstanding African design while connecting local talent with global conversations. FashionEVO believes fashion is more than aesthetics; it is a powerful cultural and economic force capable of driving innovation, creating jobs and preserving heritage.
Through thought leadership, runway showcases, accelerator programmes and strategic collaborations, the platform continues to create spaces where creativity, culture and commerce intersect, helping shape the future of Africa’s fashion industry.
Media Contact
FashionEVO
Email: info@fashionevo.style
Website: fashionevo.style
