Breakout 1
|
Saturday
|
9:00 am
Aldrich 112

Weaving the Future: Creating Africa’s Fashion Blueprint from Within

Despite flashes of global attention, African fashion brands often struggle to achieve lasting prominence. Too often, Africa’s fashion industry is measured against Western frameworks - fashion houses, fashion weeks, and global runways - that fail to align with the continent’s unique resources, market dynamics, and strengths like sustainability and local artisanship. This panel will challenge these conventions, exploring how African brands can forge a resilient and distinctly African fashion ecosystem by harnessing the talent, traditions, and opportunities already present within the continent, to create a model that thrives locally and competes globally.

Weaving the Future: Creating Africa’s Fashion Blueprint from Within

Despite flashes of global attention, African fashion brands often struggle to achieve lasting prominence. Too often, Africa’s fashion industry is measured against Western frameworks - fashion houses, fashion weeks, and global runways - that fail to align with the continent’s unique resources, market dynamics, and strengths like sustainability and local artisanship. This panel will challenge these conventions, exploring how African brands can forge a resilient and distinctly African fashion ecosystem by harnessing the talent, traditions, and opportunities already present within the continent, to create a model that thrives locally and competes globally.

America/New_York
Feb 15, 2025 9:00 AM
Aldrich 112

Other Sessions

More Info
Keynotes
|
Saturday
|
3:45 pm
Klarman Auditorium
Tech
Keynote | Harnessing Technology for Good
Join Fred Swaniker for a keynote on harnessing technology for good across the African continent.
More info

Keynote | Harnessing Technology for Good

Join Fred Swaniker, Founder and CEO of Sand Technologies, for a keynote exploring how technology can be harnessed as a force for good across the African continent, driving inclusive growth, innovation, and sustainable development.

America/New_York
Mar 28, 2026 3:45 PM
Klarman Auditorium
Host
Moderator
More Info
Breakout 1
|
Saturday
|
9:00 am
Aldrich 110
Startups
The Next Frontier: Acquiring and Leading Businesses Across Africa
The growing opportunity for entrepreneurship through acquisition across African markets.
More info

The Next Frontier: Acquiring and Leading Businesses Across Africa

Entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA) is emerging as a powerful pathway for a new generation of African business leaders to acquire, transform, and scale existing enterprises across the continent. This panel brings together practitioners and investors to discuss the unique opportunities and challenges of the ETA model in African markets, from deal sourcing to post-acquisition value creation.

America/New_York
Mar 28, 2026 9:00 AM
Aldrich 110
More Info
Lunches
|
Saturday
|
12:15 pm
Batten 302
Tech
L&L: Building and Financing a Bankable Renewable Energy Business in Africa (RiA)
A lunch-and-learn session hosted by Research ICT Africa (RiA).
More info

L&L: Building and Financing a Bankable Renewable Energy Business in Africa (RiA)

Join Research ICT Africa (RiA) for a lunch-and-learn exploring how digital policy and ICT research are shaping Africa's technological future. Learn about the critical role of evidence-based research in driving digital inclusion and innovation across the continent.

America/New_York
Mar 28, 2026 12:15 PM
Batten 302
Host
Moderator
Speakers
In process of uploading
More Info
Breakout 2
|
Saturday
|
1:30 pm
Spangler Auditorium
Tech
Owning the AI Transition: Compute, Talent, and Market Formation in Africa
How Africa can lead in AI through compute infrastructure, talent development, and market creation.
More info

Owning the AI Transition: Compute, Talent, and Market Formation in Africa

As the global AI race intensifies, Africa has a unique opportunity to own its AI transition rather than be a passive recipient of technology built elsewhere. This panel brings together leaders in AI infrastructure, talent development, and market formation to explore how the continent can build the compute capacity, cultivate the technical talent, and create the market conditions needed to compete and lead in the AI era.

America/New_York
Mar 28, 2026 1:30 PM
Spangler Auditorium
Strong bonds

Africa Focused,


Globally connected

Interested in partnering with us?

Contact us