NAIROBI, Kenya Aug 21 – Two Kenyan fashion designers are preparing to take their creativity to the global stage after securing a place at the African Fashion Week London (AFWL) 2026 Showcase.
Bettydora Odhiambo and Neema Kinoti, beneficiaries of the British Council’s Creative DNA accelerator programme, are among emerging African designers set to participate in the fashion showcase scheduled for August 17 to 24 in London.
The eight-day programme will be held at 8 Northumberland Avenue and the British Council Headquarters, bringing together fashion creatives from across Africa and beyond.
The showcase builds on the success of last year’s partnership between African Fashion Week London and the British Council, with the programme seeking to give emerging African designers greater access to international markets and new audiences.
Odhiambo, the founder of Nairobi-based fashion house Atieno Studio, will take part in a panel discussion on the second day of the showcase, where she will speak about grooming the next generation of creative talent.
Her work focuses on contemporary resort wear, elevated summer fashion and artisanal hand-crochet.
Odhiambo said the Creative DNA programme has helped her improve her skills and expand the reach of her work.
“Creative DNA has helped me elevate my capacity to produce garments that are now eye catching to more people than before,” she said.
“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.”
Kinoti, who founded Ohana Family Wear in 2018, will also represent Kenya at the London showcase.
Her designs focus on purpose-driven swim and resort wear, while promoting cultural identity and body representation. Her work has previously earned her recognition in Business Daily’s Top 40 Under 40 Women.
Kinoti said she is looking forward to connecting with other creatives from across Africa and the world.
“I am definitely looking forward to engaging with different creatives from across Africa and beyond at African Fashion Week London,” she said.
“Creative DNA has played a critical role in putting me in this position that I am grateful for.”
The Creative DNA programme is the British Council’s fashion initiative aimed at supporting designers across Africa by building their skills, expanding their knowledge and helping them create new networks.
British Council Kenya Country Director Tom Porter said the initiative is helping Kenyan creatives reach wider audiences.
“I’m really pleased that we’ve been able to play a role in getting the work of Kenyan designers to a wider audience,” Porter said.
“It’s great to see the ongoing collaborations we’re part of, which demonstrate the importance and impact of connecting talent across borders.”
He added that supporting designers and fashion businesses could unlock more opportunities for Africa’s growing creative economy.
“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 said.
Other designers participating under the Creative DNA programme include Adedayo Ilori of Nigeria, Joan Nantege of Uganda, Mastewal Belay of Ethiopia, Maurice Niyigena of Rwanda, Chido Kaseke of Zimbabwe, Nyame-Nhyiraba Awura of Ghana, Ropafadzo Kuki Mapira of Zimbabwe and Solome Kiflu of Ethiopia.
The showcase will also feature discussions on African fashion in education, creativity beyond borders and the future direction of African design.
