Fashion is big business on the African continent, coming in second after agriculture with an estimated net worth of 31 billion USD. The industry is the second source of employment for the continent’s young generation, the real future of Africa.
The Fashionpreneur Summit, organized by the Abryanz Style and Fashion Awards is an interactive business workshop focused on the role of fashion, and the creative industry in shaping the economy. Attendees, who are mostly youths receive expert tips on how to materialize their ideas, monetize their projects, seek funding, market their brands, manage finances and more from a panel of business and creative professionals.
In Uganda, 77% of the population is below 25 years old, one of the worlds youngest populated countries. And in Africa, youth (below 26 years) comprise 60% of the population on the continent who are the target group of this Summit.
The Ellen Macarthur Foundation estimates a 15-20% growth in Africa‘s fashion industry over the next few years and the Abryanz Style and Fashion Awards are preparing African youths through the Fashionpreneur Summit which bridges the gap and prepares them for what is to come.
Fashionpreneur Panel
The Fashionpreneur panel is always garnished with counterbalanced notables. From international designers like David Tlale who has showcased on the world’s hottest runways like Paris Fashion Week and London Fashion Week. Among others, celebrated TV and Radio presenter Flavia Tumusiime, influencers and makeup artists like Umutoni Monica the owner of Mona Faces, a makeup studio based in Kampala. Speakers have in the past included Humphrey Nabimanya of Reach a Hand, Benard Mukasa a specialist in commercial law, and many others.
Fashionpreneur Exhibitions
Once at the summit, you will walk into a museum-like show room, with avantgarde creations that range from paintings, sculptures, and fashion creations, to couture, headpieces and gowns. Each year, we make a call for exhibitors, to showcase their creations. And revelers are always left in awe, ourselves included. At our last summit in 2019 where designers and creatives from East Africa showcased, they also had a chance to interact with fellow creatives from other countries, broadening their exposure and fostering interaction that can help harness each others craft.
Because of the topics discussed on the summit, and the opportunities that come from the networking event, young creatives look forward to it annually. The Summit along with the Abryanz Style and fashion Awards were put on hold because of the global pandemic. Returning with the Awards show, the summit will continue in it’s legacy of creating awareness to the market–opportunities and providing guidance and mentorship.
Do you look forward to attend this year’s Fashionpreneur Summit? What topics would like to hear discussed? Let us know in the comments.
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