From Kenya to London: Creative DNA Cohort set for Africa Fashion Week showcase

Bettydora Odhiambo and Neema Kinoti, two beneficiaries of British Council’s Creative DNA accelerator programme are set to participate in the upcoming African Fashion Week London (AFWL) 2026 Showcase scheduled for 17 to 24 August.

The events will take place at 8 Northumberland Avenue and the British Council Headquarters.

Building on the success of last year's debut partnership, this year's showcase reaffirms the British Council's ongoing commitment to championing emerging African fashion talent on the international stage.

From Nairobi's studios to the London fashion stage

The initiative aligns with the British Council’s vision to drive sustainable growth by championing creative talent and expanding access to global markets for the next generation of African fashion entrepreneurs while investing in creative economy ecosystems that are rooted in local contexts and globally connected.

Creative DNA is the British Council’s fashion initiative designed to support and uplift the fashion ecosystem in Africa.

It achieves this objective by nurturing designers’ skills, deepening their knowledge and expanding their networks.

Through their partnership, AFWL and the British Council have developed a thoughtfully designed eight-day programme that provides emerging African designers opportunities to explore market access pathways and share their work with new audiences.

Bettydora Odhiambo brings crochet craftsmanship into the conversation

Ms. Odhiambo who runs her fashion house Atieno Studio in Nairobi will feature on a panel discussion on the second day of the showcase where she will discuss grooming the next generation of creative talent.

Her creations are anchored on contemporary resort wear, elevated summer dressing, and artisanal hand-crochet.

‘Creative DNA has helped me elevate my capacity to produce garments that are now eye catching to more people than before. I am also able to transfer my acquired knowledge to the local artisans that I work closely with and increase the popularity of crochet wear,’ said Ms. Odhiambo.

Neema Kinoti takes purpose-driven fashion to a global audience

Ms. Kinoti who founded Ohana Family Wear in 2018 has based her designs on purpose driven swim and resort wear, boosting cultural identity and promoting body representation.

Her talent has already garnered attention and led to her recognition in Business Daily’s Top 40 Under 40 Women.

‘I am definitely looking forward to engaging with different creatives from across Africa and beyond at African Fashion Week London. Creative DNA has played a critical role in putting me in this position that I am grateful for,’ said Ms Kinoti.

Some of the topics that will be discussed at the panels include African Fashion in Education, Creativity Beyond Borders and African Futures: Where African Design Is Going Now.

‘I'm really pleased that we've been able to play a role in getting the work of Kenyan designers to a wider audience. And it's great to see the ongoing collaborations we're part of, which demonstrate the importance and impact of connecting talent across borders.’

Said British Council Kenya Country Director Tom Porter.

‘By supporting such designers and fostering the growth of fashion businesses, the programme showcases the vast potential of Africa’s fashion industry on the international stage,’ he added.

Beyond the runway: Eight days of markets, ideas and connections

Bettydora and Neema will be joined by the rest of the new cohort of designers set to present under the Creative DNA programme at this year's edition of AFWL.

They include:

Adedayo Ilori of Dimeji Ilori from Nigeria, Joan Nantege of Joan Jade from Uganda, Mastewal Belay of Mastewal Alemu from Ethiopia, Maurice Niyigena of Matheo Studio from Rwanda, Chido Kaseke of Patch Maoko from Zimbabwe, Nyame-Nhyiraba Awura of Republic of Africa from Ghana, Ropafadzo Kuki Mapira of Soleil from Zimbabwe, and Solome Kiflu of Xufan from Ethiopia.