AFI to spotlight African apparel and accessories at WD2023

African Fashion International Shines Spotlight on Pan-African Luxury Fashion at Women Deliver 2023

How AFI Will Spotlight African Fashion Designs At The Women Deliver Symposium

By Buhle Mbonambi

The Women Deliver Conference is a global event bringing together thousands of diverse stakeholders from various sectors, such as civil society, government, the private sector, and international agencies, to collaborate and find solutions for advancing gender equality and the health and rights of girls and women.   

Held every four years, the WD2023 conference is happening in Kigali, Rwanda from July 17 until July 20. It will showcase the power of partnerships by connecting different stakeholders and amplifying the voices of country-level advocates, both in-person and virtually, throughout the process. Some of the speakers include President Paul Kagame, US politician and voter rigths activist, Stacey Abrams; Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka; women's rights activist, Malala Yousafzai; climate change activist, Vanessa Nakate; former Miss Universe, Zozibini Tunzi; and AFI’s founder and executive chair, Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe.  

Clockwise from left: Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, Malala Yousafzai, Vanessa Nakate, Stacey Abrahams and Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka. 

One of the highlights of WD2023 will be the participation of African Fashion International (AFI). As the leading platform for promoting and retailing refined African apparel and accessories, AFI will present a curated selection of unique and contemporary designs by talented African fashion designers, who celebrate the rich and diverse heritage and culture of the continent.  

The Women Deliver 2023 Conference allows AFI an opportunity to provide a platform for women from across the world to see the creations of the most talented Pan-African fashion designers.  

According to industry reports, the textile and clothing market is reportedly worth more than $31billion and accounts for the second largest number of jobs in developing countries after agriculture. It is therefore a great opportunity to spotlight the opportunities that the fashion industry presents to the economies of developing countries. 

Women Deliver 2023 delegates at the African Fashion International stand, where they explored the specially curated collection of Pan-African designed garments and accessories. 

Through its participation in the Women Deliver 2023 exhibition, where African-made luxury apparel will be showcased, AFI is keeping true to its promise of finding opportunities that will be a platform for African designers and creatives. Through this, AFI is demonstrating how fashion can be a powerful tool for social change and economic development. 

The Women Deliver 2023 Collection 

AFI has curated a special collection for Women Deliver 2023. Featured in the collection are works by fashion designers from across the continent, namely:

Sisters of Afrika (Senegal), Alia Bare (Niger), Enjipai (Tanzania), Kreyann (Senegal), Kaylaamiel Creations (Botswana), Kidunia (Zimbabwe) and Eric Raisina (Madagascar).

Designers from South Africa are Imprint ZA, Tumi Captivating, Bongiwe Walaza, AFI’s House of Nala and AFI Fastrack 2021 Designer of the Year winner, Shamyra Moodley’s LaaniRaani.  

Click HERE to explore the collection: