The mausoleum, designed by Francis Kéré, stands out for its blend of tradition and modernity. Its form is inspired by the eye, a symbol of vigilance and transmission, while the circular arrangement of the tombs, the monumental ramp, and the thirteen segments evoke unity and collective sacrifice. The materials used—compressed earth blocks, laterite, granite—embody the choice of autonomy, simplicity, and the valorization of local resources, echoing Sankara’s vision for endogenous and sustainable development.

Christie Brown’s experience shows that investing in fashion can no longer be limited to mentoring programs that aim to turn creatives into CEOs without equipping them with strategic skills in marketing, distribution, and financial management. It also demonstrates the value of innovation: reinterpreting tradition, adapting to the times, developing an omnichannel sales strategy, forging strategic collaborations, and placing sustainability and craftsmanship at the heart of customer loyalty. Christie Brown is a model of sustainable African success, built on cultural authenticity, local production, solid governance, and a multichannel distribution strategy, despite major operational challenges and the absence of significant external funding.

In African markets, a garment, a beauty product, a design object, or a lifestyle article made locally often costs more than a product imported from China, Turkey, or Europe. This reality is not accidental, but the result of an economic system struggling to find its balance or specialization.

Let’s remember the impatience that preceded the evening of May 5th 2025: on social networks, in studios, in specialized media, Africa and its diaspora held their breath. For once, the Met Gala seemed ready to do justice to an entire chapter of fashion history Met Gala—Black Dandyism, elegant resistance, and identity reinvention. Expectations were immense, pride palpable.

Madame Koyo’s legacy is immense. She leaves behind a transformed landscape for contemporary African art, marked by stronger institutions, empowered artists, and a more inclusive global discourse. Her leadership at RAW Material Company and Zeitz MOCAA set new standards for advocacy, excellence, and community engagement. Through her writing, exhibitions, and mentorship, she nurtured a generation of creatives who will carry her vision forward.

Often dominated by cities like London, Paris, Milan, and New York, the fashion world is increasingly influenced by West African trends. Brands such as FREE THE YOUTH (Ghana), Pith Africa, Severe Nature & WAF (Nigeria) are establishing themselves locally and building bridges with international brands such as Patta (Netherlands). Their growth is driven by a dynamic, highly connected youth market—half of the African population is under 25—and a growing middle class, representing nearly 35% of the continent's population.

By gathering diverse perspectives, we aim to help our sector, global institutions and policy makers on the continent to better understand the challenges faced by creatives while identifying actionable solutions to transform the potential to enable prosperity.

As I left the John Randle Center for Yoruba culture that day, I passed a group of children participating in a creative workshop. Their enthusiasm reminded me why all this matters: these works are not just objects; they are mirrors through which our children can see their history, identity, and potential.

The return and preservation of African artworks on the continent are not merely questions of historical justice—they are necessities for inspiring future generations. And it starts with us—collectors, institutions, entrepreneurs—who have the power to change this narrative.

The end of AGOA would mark a major turning point for African countries that have structured their textile industries around exports to the United States. The strategies adopted by Rwanda, Kenya, Benin, and Lesotho offer valuable lessons on resilience and vulnerabilities in this scenario.

Design in Africa reflects a constant dialogue between yesterday and today, between know-how, innovation, and contemporary perspectives or designers of our generation.

As the world younguest’s continent economy is emerging, a powerful narrative is unfolding with stories such as Eki,s. While conventional wisdom often casts doubt on creative pursuits, viewing them as risky career paths, a new generation of visionaries is rewriting the rules of success.

Imagine pouring your heart and soul into building a brand, only to find it stuck in a rut. This is a reality many brands face when they hit a growth plateau. It can feel disheartening, especially when the market is buzzing with new ideas and fresh faces. But don’t lose hope ! This is the perfect moment for a brand to take a step back, reflect, and reinvent itself.

In the world of fashion, few materials carry the weight of history and culture quite like raffia : the humble yet extraordinary fiber from the raffia palm, has been woven into the cultural fabric of African heritage—adorning ceremonial attire from Benin to Cameroon, and masquerade costumes from Burkina Faso or Nigeria.

In today’s competitive market, branding is more than just a logo or a catchy tagline—it’s about telling a story, connecting with your audience, and standing out in a meaningful way. One powerful way to achieve this is by incorporating Adinkra symbols into your branding.

Simply throwing money at the problem, as Shein is attempting to do, doesn't address the root causes. I mean we have seen this kind of “aid to development” distracts from the fact that those who give from the front door to aid Africa’s development are actually taking more from the back door.

This Beninese cultural renaissance is a model that many countries could draw inspiration from, demonstrating that with ambition and creativity, it's possible to transform a rich heritage into a powerful lever for the future.

From the moment I arrived at the airport, my stay in Cotonou started on a discordant note. My luggage, misplaced somewhere between Geneva and Cotonou, was nowhere to be found. A mishap that I hoped wouldn't set the tone for the rest of this short four-day trip.

While African countries, individually, regionally, or on a pan-African scale, are still struggling to adjust their policies and recalibrate their strategies to effectively protect their domestic market, it is crucial to act quickly at the business level. Pending a coordinated and effective response from governments, it is imperative to propose concrete strategies to strengthen the resilience of local brands and reposition them distinctively in the market.