Ghanaian contemporary women’s wear label Ometsey made a notable appearance at this year’s Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL), hosted at Space House, London, under the British Council’s Creative DNA programme.
Founded in 2017 by Darkwaa Edna, Ometsey is recognised for its clean silhouettes, flawless finishing, and unique details with a minimalist edge. Its AFWL 2025 showcase formed part of a special British Council catwalk presentation and exhibition pavilion that highlighted some of Africa’s most innovative emerging designers.
Ometsey joined nine other designers from Uganda, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Kenya, and Zimbabwe—each an alumnus or current participant of the Creative DNA fashion accelerator programme. Since 2020, the initiative has supported over 200 fashion entrepreneurs across Sub-Saharan Africa, providing mentorship, business growth strategies, and opportunities for international exposure.
The AFWL stage offered these designers valuable networking opportunities, market access, and avenues for collaboration, while also fostering cultural exchange and creative connections across the continent.
Beyond runway and exhibition presentations, participants engaged in business clinics and panel sessions with UK fashion experts, including facilitators from Westminster University and the Fashion Retail Academy. They also took part in retail and manufacturing ecosystem tours across London, gaining firsthand insight into sustainable production, ethical practices, and the global fashion supply chain.
This year’s British Council Pavilion also looked ahead, spotlighting collaborations between African designers and innovators in AI, robotics, and virtual reality. These partnerships are opening doors to digital avatars, tech-driven storytelling, and cross-continental virtual fashion events.
Farai Ncube Tarwireyi, Regional Arts Director, Sub-Saharan Africa, British Council, noted:
“Africa’s fashion industry has the potential to generate over $15 billion in revenue by 2025 and create millions of jobs. To realise this, emerging designers must access markets, gain visibility, and join global networks. Africa Fashion Week London offers exactly that. Through Creative DNA, we are proud to support the next generation of African fashion leaders as they connect with global audiences and shape the industry’s future on their terms.”
This milestone reinforces the British Council’s dedication to championing creativity, cultural exchange, and enterprise as drivers of inclusive and sustainable growth between Africa and the UK.