Nigerian fashion designer Adedayo Ilori was among 10 African creatives who presented their work at the 2026 Africa Fashion Week London through the British Council’s Creative DNA programme.

Ilori, founder of Lagos-based fashion label Dimeji Ilori, represented Nigeria alongside designers from Ghana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and Zimbabwe at the London showcase.

The other participants included Bettydora Odhiambo of Atieno Studio and Neema Nkatha Kinoti of Ohana Swimwear from Kenya; Joan Nantege of Joan Jade from Uganda; Mastewal Belay of Mastewal Alemu and Solome Kiflu of Xufan from Ethiopia; Maurice Niyigena of Matheo Studio from Rwanda; Nyame-Nhyiraba Awura of Republic of Africa from Ghana; and Zimbabweans Chido Kaseke of Patch Maoko and Ropafadzo Kuki Mapira of Soleil.

The Creative DNA programme, run by the British Council, supports emerging African fashion entrepreneurs through business development, mentorship, networking and opportunities to access international markets.

As part of the London programme, the participating designers took part in industry sessions covering areas such as fashion education, artificial intelligence, cross-border creativity and the future direction of African design.

Ilori’s participation adds an international dimension to the work of Dimeji Ilori, a Lagos-based label that was selected for the Creative DNA initiative and later presented its collection in London.

The 2026 edition of Africa Fashion Week London also featured runway presentations, exhibitions and opportunities for designers to engage with buyers, media professionals and other players in the fashion industry.

The British Council’s continued partnership with the fashion platform is aimed at helping African designers build international connections while developing commercially sustainable creative businesses.

The participation of designers from seven African countries reflects the growing effort to connect the continent’s fashion talent with international audiences and opportunities.