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
Breakout 3
Saturday
|
3:45 pm
Aldrich 108
Unlocking Africa’s Agricultural Potential for Regional and Global Markets
This panel explores value addition, branding, and investment to transform Africa’s agricultural sector and boost growth.
More Info

Unlocking Africa’s Agricultural Potential for Regional and Global Markets

Africa’s agricultural sector remains heavily dependent on raw commodity exports, with value addition accounting for just 10-15% of total exports. This limits the continent’s ability to fully benefit from global and regional markets for processed goods. Despite decades of efforts to improve subsistence farming, food systems and livelihoods have seen little transformation.

This panel will explore how demand-driven value addition, branding, and storytelling—supported by the right investments and ecosystem partnerships—can drive sector growth, enhance food security, and unlock economic potential. Panelists from across the value chain will discuss key gaps, opportunities, and actionable pathways to create and capture value in Africa’s agricultural ecosystem.

America/New_York
Feb 15, 2025 3:45 PM
Aldrich 108
More Info
Lunches
Saturday
|
12:45 pm
Batten Hives 306
In Conversation: Patrick Njoroge
Join a Q&A with Dr. Patrick Njoroge on monetary policy, financial regulation, and Africa’s economy.
More Info

In Conversation: Patrick Njoroge

[Students only] Join us for an exclusive Q&A session with Dr. Patrick Njoroge, former Governor of the Central Bank of Kenya. This is a unique opportunity for students to engage in an open and informal conversation, gaining insights into Dr. Njoroge’s career and his advice for African students preparing to start their careers. Bring your questions and be part of a dynamic discussion!

America/New_York
Feb 15, 2025 12:45 PM
Batten Hives 306
More Info
Breakout 2
Saturday
|
11:30 am
Aldrich 107
Diaspora-Driven Entrepreneurship: Bridging Markets and Scaling African Ventures
This panel explores how the African diaspora drives business growth, leveraging networks, funding, and culture.
More Info

Diaspora-Driven Entrepreneurship: Bridging Markets and Scaling African Ventures

This panel delves into the powerful impact of the African diaspora in driving the expansion of African ventures. Featuring a diverse group of speakers—diaspora returnees launching businesses in Africa, to entrepreneurs scaling operations across the continent and beyond, and strategists raising international capital—this discussion will explore the unique challenges and strategies of diaspora-driven entrepreneurship. Attendees will gain insights into leveraging global networks, navigating cultural dynamics, and employing innovative funding models to effectively scale businesses and create a supportive ecosystem for pan-African and global growth

America/New_York
Feb 15, 2025 11:30 AM
Aldrich 107