Ghanaian contemporary women’s wear brand Ometsey has taken centre stage at this year’s Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL), held at Space House, London, as part of the British Council’s Creative DNA programme.

Founded in 2017 by Darkwaa Edna, Ometsey is known for its clean cuts, impeccable finishing, and rare details with a minimalist twist. The brand’s showcase at AFWL 2025 formed part of a dedicated British Council catwalk presentation and exhibition pavilion, spotlighting some of Africa’s most innovative emerging designers.

Ometsey was joined by nine designers from Uganda, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Kenya, and Zimbabwe, all alumni or current participants of the British Council’s Creative DNA fashion accelerator programme. Since 2020, the initiative has supported more than 200 fashion entrepreneurs across Sub-Saharan Africa, fostering mentorship, business development, and international showcasing opportunities.

The AFWL platform gave these designers new connections, market access, and collaborative opportunities, while encouraging cultural exchange and cross-continental creativity.

In addition to runway and exhibition appearances, participating designers engaged in business clinics and panel discussions with UK fashion experts, including facilitators from Westminster University and the Fashion Retail Academy. They also joined retail and manufacturing ecosystem tours across London, gaining direct insight into ethical production, sustainability, and the global fashion supply chain.

This year’s British Council Pavilion also looked to the future of fashion, highlighting collaborations between African designers and AI labs, robotics engineers, and virtual reality platforms. These partnerships are paving the way for digital avatars, tech-enabled storytelling, and cross-continental virtual fashion shows.

Farai Ncube Tarwireyi, Regional Arts Director, Sub-Saharan Africa, British Council, commented:

“Africa’s fashion industry holds immense potential. It could generate over $15 billion in revenue by 2025 and create millions of jobs across the continent. But to truly unlock that potential, emerging designers need access to markets, visibility, and global networks. Africa Fashion Week London offers a powerful platform for just that. Through our Creative DNA programme, we are proud to support a new generation of fashion entrepreneurs as they connect with international audiences, explore new opportunities, and shape the future of fashion on their own terms.”

The engagement reinforces the British Council’s commitment to placing creativity, cultural exchange, and enterprise at the heart of inclusive and sustainable growth between Africa and the UK.