Join this prestigious gathering of textile experts for a two-day event exploring how to build thriving African textile and fashion systems that create economic, cultural and social value.
Taking place on 31 July and 1 August at Workshop17 in the V&A Watershed, the sixth annual Africa Textile Talks comes at a time when the continent is facing growing pressure from climate change, cheap imports, shifting global supply chains and the decline of local manufacturing. Yet these challenges also present opportunities to reimagine how textiles are grown, made, traded and valued – on the continent.
“Conversations about the future of fashion are often shaped elsewhere,” says Jackie May, co-founder of Africa Textile Talks and editor of Twyg. “Africa Textile Talks creates space for African designers, policy makers, manufacturers, farmers, innovators and communities to shape their own narratives and contribute solutions that are relevant both locally and globally.”
This year’s programme, themed Post-extraction regeneration: Creating African Textile Futures, brings together leading voices from across Africa and beyond to examine the future of fibres, manufacturing, design, trade, cultural heritage and material innovation.
Day 1: Confirmed speakers include chair of the Localisation Support Fund, Harald Harvey; director of Africa: The Earthshot Prize, Simone Smit; writer and research Tanya Zach; CEO of Pep Clothing, Marthie Raphael, conservation ecologist Lumko Mboyi; Director Sustainability at Mr Price Group, Dr Natasja Ambrosio; textile artist and curator Siwa Mgoboza; and fashion thinker and designer Wanda Lephoto.
Day 2: Thinking of the future, we invited bio-materials innovator Shaakira Jassat; artist and researcher Thulile Gamedze, circular economy researchers Berendje Willemina and Nkhensani Mkari; sustainability consultant and researcher Zara Odu, along with experts in hemp fibre, fish leather, mopani worm silk, mohair, wool and cotton.
Across two days, discussions will explore:
- Building stronger African textile and fashion value chains
- Development of Mopani worm silk, fish leather, hemp, cotton and animal fibres
- Biomaterials, textile innovation and material futures
- Pan-African trade and export
- The impact of cheap imported clothing on local industries
- Regenerative farming and responsible fibre production
- Clean, green manufacturing
- Second-hand imports and circular economy solutions
- New opportunities for African designers and entrepreneurs
A highlight of this year’s programme is the inaugural Future Fabrics Student Challenge, which invites emerging designers, makers and thinkers from across Africa to imagine textile futures that are regenerative, sensitive to African knowledge systems and resources, and context relevant. Selected works will be exhibited during the event, with the winning entry announced on the final day.
What you need to know:
- Two days of keynotes, panels and conversations
- Attendees include policymakers, industry leaders, designers, manufacturers, entrepreneurs and researchers
- Representation from across the value chain
- Exhibition of African fibres, textiles and material innovations
- Exhibition of Future Fabrics Student Challenge finalists
- Dates: 31 July – 1 August 2026
- Venue: Workshop17, V&A Watershed, Cape Town
- Tickets available via Quicket
What previous attendees said:
- “This event opened a new world of connections, ideas and conversations that I hadn’t encountered in such a dynamic setting before.”
- “The depth and diversity of the discussions, from material innovation and circular economy models to localised supply chains and the urgent need for waste accountability, were not only thought-provoking but actionable.”
- “I made new connections and was able to reconnect with others.”
Africa Textile Talks was founded by Imiloa Collective and Twyg in 2021. For interviews, media accreditation or further information, please contact:
- benn@twyg.co.za (partnerships)
- nobanzi@twyg.co.za (logistics)
- jackie@twyg.co.za (programme)
Image: Panel discussion at Africa Textile Talks 2024. The Dollie House
