Breakout 1
|
Saturday
|
9:00 am
Aldrich 112

Weaving the Future: Creating Africa’s Fashion Blueprint from Within

Despite flashes of global attention, African fashion brands often struggle to achieve lasting prominence. Too often, Africa’s fashion industry is measured against Western frameworks - fashion houses, fashion weeks, and global runways - that fail to align with the continent’s unique resources, market dynamics, and strengths like sustainability and local artisanship. This panel will challenge these conventions, exploring how African brands can forge a resilient and distinctly African fashion ecosystem by harnessing the talent, traditions, and opportunities already present within the continent, to create a model that thrives locally and competes globally.

Weaving the Future: Creating Africa’s Fashion Blueprint from Within

Despite flashes of global attention, African fashion brands often struggle to achieve lasting prominence. Too often, Africa’s fashion industry is measured against Western frameworks - fashion houses, fashion weeks, and global runways - that fail to align with the continent’s unique resources, market dynamics, and strengths like sustainability and local artisanship. This panel will challenge these conventions, exploring how African brands can forge a resilient and distinctly African fashion ecosystem by harnessing the talent, traditions, and opportunities already present within the continent, to create a model that thrives locally and competes globally.

America/New_York
Feb 15, 2025 9:00 AM
Aldrich 112

Other Sessions

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Keynotes
Saturday
|
2:45 pm
Klarman Auditorium
Governance & Economic Transformation, a conversation with former VP H.E. Mahamudu Bawumia
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia discusses Ghana’s digital transformation, economic growth, and lessons for Africa’s future.
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Governance & Economic Transformation, a conversation with former VP H.E. Mahamudu Bawumia

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Ghana’s former Vice President, led the country’s digital and economic transformation. In this fireside chat, he will reflect on Ghana’s progress and its lessons for Africa, touching on digitalization, job creation, regional integration, and governance. The session will conclude with an audience Q&A.

America/New_York
Feb 15, 2025 2:45 PM
Klarman Auditorium
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Breakout 2
Saturday
|
11:30 am
Spangler Auditorium
Strategic Investments for Impact and Growth across Africa
This panel explores innovative financing, collaboration, and investment strategies to drive Africa’s sustainable growth and development.
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Strategic Investments for Impact and Growth across Africa

The panel brings together key financiers in Africa—spanning the private sector, philanthropies, and public sector players—to explore how innovative financing can drive sustainable development and economic growth across the continent. The discussion will highlight the critical role of collaboration among these stakeholders in addressing Africa’s unique challenges and unlocking its opportunities. Panelists will share insights on structuring impactful investments, mobilizing capital at scale, and leveraging strategic partnerships, while also addressing the challenges they face when operating in the region.

America/New_York
Feb 15, 2025 11:30 AM
Spangler Auditorium
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Lunches
Saturday
|
12:45 pm
Batten Hives 306
In Conversation: Patrick Njoroge
Join a Q&A with Dr. Patrick Njoroge on monetary policy, financial regulation, and Africa’s economy.
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In Conversation: Patrick Njoroge

[Students only] Join us for an exclusive Q&A session with Dr. Patrick Njoroge, former Governor of the Central Bank of Kenya. This is a unique opportunity for students to engage in an open and informal conversation, gaining insights into Dr. Njoroge’s career and his advice for African students preparing to start their careers. Bring your questions and be part of a dynamic discussion!

America/New_York
Feb 15, 2025 12:45 PM
Batten Hives 306