Africa Textile Talks has launched its inaugural Future Fabrics Student Challenge, an open call inviting emerging designers, makers, researchers and thinkers from across the continent to imagine the future of textiles through regenerative materials, indigenous knowledge systems and experimental approaches to making.
The challenge asks participants to conceptualise and then create a 30cm x 30cm textile, material or conceptual prototype responding to the question:
What does an African textile future look like when it restores ecosystems, centres local knowledges and materials, and reimagines production?
The initiative forms part of Africa Textile Talks 2026 (an initiative founded by Twyg and Imiloa Collective) which takes place in Cape Town on 31 July and 1 August 2026, bringing together designers, farmers, manufacturers, researchers, policy-makers, retailers and innovators shaping the future of African textiles and fashion.
Rather than focusing on conventional fashion outcomes, the challenge encourages speculative and experimental thinking around cloth, fibre and material systems. Participants are invited to work with regenerative and locally sourced materials including agricultural waste, natural fibres, bark, kelp, fungi, mycelium, natural dyes and other low-impact materials.
“The challenge is really about expanding how we think about textiles,” says Jackie May, co-founder of Africa Textile Talks. “We are interested in material exploration, deep research, indigenous knowledge and new possibilities emerging from African resources and ways of making. The work does not need to look like traditional cloth or fashion fabric. We want to see experimentation, curiosity and critical thinking.”
The challenge is open to:
- Students
- Recent graduates within two years of graduating
- Emerging practitioners under the age of 25
Applicants may enter individually or in teams of up to three people and must be based in Africa. Read PRESENTATION Future fabrics challenge.
Twenty finalists will be selected from the concept notes to exhibit during Africa Textile Talks 2026, where they will gain visibility to retailers, curators, manufacturers, funders, institutions and industry leaders. Selected participants will also receive editorial coverage through Twyg’s platforms and introductions to potential collaborators and partners.
Submissions will be assessed by a cross-disciplinary judging panel including designers, material scientists, curators, sustainability experts and industry leaders. Entries will be judged on originality, material innovation, research depth, relevance to African contexts, interpretation of indigenous knowledge and overall presentation.
Key dates
- Applications open: May 2026
- Concept submission deadline: 13 July 2026
- Finalists announced: 15 July 2026
- Finalists samples to be in Cape Town by 22 July
- Exhibition and presentations: 31 July – 1 August 2026, Cape Town
Submission requirements
Entrants must first apply by completing this form by 13 July.
Information required includes:
- A written concept statement
- Supporting process images or sketches
- Bio and institutional affiliation
- Optional submissions include short video documentation of the process.
- Proof of age
Twenty finalists will then be selected to submit a 30cm x 30cm textile or material sample that needs to be in Cape Town by 22 July.
For more information follow Africa Textile Talks and Twyg platforms.
Contact
- Jackie@twyg.co.za (criteria)
- Benn@twyg.co.za (partnerships and sponsors)
- Nobanzi@twyg.co.za (logistics)
About Imiloa Collective
Imiloa Collective is a social impact creative platform working to empower communities through craft, culture, design and entrepreneurship. Founded in 2012, Imiloa Collective has grown from a grassroots initiative into an international voice connecting communities across Africa, the UK and the USA. The collective creates projects, curates events, and leads collaborations that celebrate heritage, preserve traditional skills, and open pathways for economic opportunity..
About Twyg
Twyg is a South African non-profit media platform and creative agency focused on sustainable fashion, textiles, design and culture. Through journalism, events, research and storytelling, Twyg explores regenerative practices, ethical production, indigenous knowledge and the future of African fashion and textile systems.
Image: Pexels
