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 112
Cross Over Borders: The Global Rise of African Sports and Gaming
This panel explores scaling Africa’s gaming and sports industries, investment, talent development, and global impact.
More Info

Cross Over Borders: The Global Rise of African Sports and Gaming

Africa’s influence in sports and gaming is on the rise, with exceptional talent reshaping global leagues and innovative gaming startups gaining international attention. This panel will explore scaling Africa’s gaming ecosystem, advancing sports infrastructure, attracting international investment, and the role of technology in connecting African gamers and athletes with global audiences. The discussion will also cover what it will take to foster talent development and empower youth to reach global prominence and position Africa as a global leader in sports and gaming.

America/New_York
Feb 15, 2025 3:45 PM
Aldrich 112
More Info
Breakout 1
Saturday
|
9:00 am
Aldrich 107
Entrepreneurship and Impact: Building sustainable businesses to solve Africa’s most pressing challenges
This panel explores entrepreneurship as a tool for impact, beyond philanthropy, with insights from investors and founders.
More Info

Entrepreneurship and Impact: Building sustainable businesses to solve Africa’s most pressing challenges

For too long, philanthropy and traditional nonprofits have been the primary avenues for empowering communities across Africa. This panel will explore how entrepreneurship can serve as a transformative tool to drive lasting impact without relying on handouts. Bringing together impact investors, entrepreneurs, and VCs, we will discuss strategies to build sustainable, scalable enterprises that transcend borders and create real change across the continent. Attendees will hear firsthand from investors and founders on the trade-offs and synergies between profitability and purpose.

America/New_York
Feb 15, 2025 9:00 AM
Aldrich 107
More Info
Keynotes
Friday
|
4:00 pm
Klarman Auditorium
The Role of Research and Innovation for the Green Revolution in Africa
Hicham El Habti explores how research drives innovation, food security, and sustainable agriculture in Africa.
More Info

The Role of Research and Innovation for the Green Revolution in Africa

From traditional farming to cutting-edge technology, Africa’s agricultural sector is evolving. Hicham El Habti, President of Mohammed
VI Polytechnic University, will share insights on how research institutions are driving sustainable innovation, improving food security,
and bridging the gap between scientific breakthroughs and real-world farming solutions.

America/New_York
Feb 14, 2025 4:00 PM
Klarman Auditorium