Fashion business in Africa continues to evolve as FashionEVO, a leading pan-African platform dedicated to advancing the continent’s fashion industry through collaboration, innovation, trade, education, and market access, announces the FashionEVO Summit & Show Zambia 2026. Scheduled for July 2 and 3, 2026, in Lusaka, Zambia, the event will bring together designers, manufacturers, buyers, investors, policymakers, and industry leaders to explore opportunities shaping the future of African fashion. Furthermore, the summit aims to strengthen connections across Africa’s growing fashion ecosystem and unlock new opportunities for growth.
FashionEVO Brings Its Pan-African Vision to Zambia
FashionEVO will host the FashionEVO Summit & Show Zambia 2026 as part of the Africa Creative Market (ACM), in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth, Sport & Arts Zambia, the Creative Industries Business Summit (CIBS), the National Arts Council (NAC), and the Kwimbo National Arts Festival.
Importantly, FashionEVO operates at the intersection of creativity, commerce, policy, and innovation. As a result, it connects designers, manufacturers, retailers, investors, institutions, technology innovators, and policymakers within a unified ecosystem that strengthens the competitiveness and long-term growth of Africa’s fashion industry.
Why Lusaka Is Emerging as a Hub for African Fashion and Creativity
The Zambia edition marks a significant milestone in FashionEVO’s continental expansion. Moreover, it highlights Lusaka’s growing importance as a centre for Africa’s creative, cultural, and business communities.
Under the theme, “Creative Convergence: Where Creativity, Technology and Collaboration Harness Global Greatness,” the 2026 edition will explore how African fashion can deepen intra-African trade, accelerate innovation, strengthen manufacturing and value chains, and compete more effectively in global markets.
Additionally, the event reflects the increasing recognition of fashion as a key contributor to Africa’s creative economy. Consequently, industry leaders continue to view fashion as a powerful driver of economic growth, job creation, entrepreneurship, and cultural influence across the continent.
What to Expect at FashionEVO Summit & Show Zambia 2026
The two-day programme features three key experiences designed to foster dialogue, showcase creativity, and create business opportunities within the African fashion ecosystem.
FashionEVO Summit
On July 2, 2026, industry leaders, policymakers, investors, trade executives, buyers, designers, and cultural innovators will gather at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre. There, they will participate in keynote presentations, panel discussions, industry dialogues, and strategic networking sessions.
Moreover, the summit will encourage meaningful conversations that address some of the most pressing opportunities and challenges facing the African fashion industry today.
FashionEVO Fashion Show & Awards
On July 3, 2026, the FashionEVO Fashion Show & Awards will take centre stage at Polo B, Lusaka Showgrounds, as part of the Kwimbo National Arts Festival. The event will showcase designers from across Africa while celebrating individuals and institutions that continue to drive innovation and growth within the industry.
Beyond the runway, FashionEVO creates opportunities for visibility, strategic partnerships, commercial engagement, and long-term collaboration. As a result, participating designers and brands can connect with stakeholders who can support their expansion goals.
FashionEVO Pop-Up Boutique Experience
The FashionEVO Pop-Up Boutique Experience will give designers and fashion brands a dedicated platform to showcase and sell their products. In addition, brands will engage directly with consumers, buyers, media representatives, and industry stakeholders.
Consequently, participants can strengthen their market presence, expand their customer base, and increase brand visibility within the broader Africa Creative Market ecosystem.
Key Conversations Shaping the Future of African Fashion
The summit will explore several issues shaping the future of African fashion. Specifically, discussions will focus on building a globally competitive fashion economy, strengthening manufacturing capabilities, improving export readiness, expanding retail and distribution networks, and scaling African brands beyond local markets.
Furthermore, participants will examine how technology, innovation, and investment can accelerate industry growth. At the same time, speakers will discuss the role of cultural identity and storytelling in positioning African fashion on the global stage.
FashionEVO Founder Calls for Stronger Industry Structures
Speaking on the significance of bringing FashionEVO to Zambia, Founder and CEO Dr. Yetty Ogunnubi highlighted the importance of building sustainable systems that support long-term industry growth.
“FashionEVO was created from the belief that African fashion must move beyond visibility into structure, ownership, market access, and global competitiveness. Zambia presents an important opportunity to bring together different parts of the ecosystem in one space and build conversations and partnerships that can drive long-term industry growth across the continent.”
She added:
“We are intentional about creating a platform where creativity intersects with policy, business, technology, education, and trade. Ultimately, the future of African fashion depends not only on talent but also on how effectively we build systems that support scale, sustainability, and global relevance.”
Participation Opportunities Open for Designers, Brands, and Investors
FashionEVO Summit & Show Zambia 2026 is expected to attract designers, institutions, fashion associations, brands, retailers, buyers, media platforms, investors, development organisations, and cultural stakeholders from across Africa and beyond.
Meanwhile, organisers have opened participation opportunities for designers, strategic partners, institutions, media organisations, and industry stakeholders interested in shaping the future of African fashion.
For more information, interested participants can visit www.fashionevo.style/fe-summit-show or contact the team via contact@fashionevo.style.
About FashionEVO
FashionEVO is a pioneering pan-African platform dedicated to promoting African fashion and supporting designers through innovative programmes, events, and strategic partnerships. Through these initiatives, the organisation continues to elevate the African fashion narrative globally. Moreover, it champions sustainability, creativity, innovation, and long-term industry growth across the continent.
