AFWA 2025 is Live: A New Era of Fashion, Culture & the Blue Economy

Welcome to the official launch of the Africa Fashion Week Amsterdam (AFWA) 2025 website — a bold digital gateway to one of the most meaningful and transformative cultural events of the decade.

More than a fashion week, AFWA 2025 is a global celebration of creativity, sustainability, and cross-continental collaboration — bringing together designers, artists, policymakers, entrepreneurs, coastal city leaders, and cultural innovators across Africa, Europe, and the diaspora.

Why AFWA 2025 Matters More Than Ever

In a world that’s rapidly changing, fashion becomes more than aesthetics — it becomes a statement of identity, a force for sustainability, and a bridge between economies. That’s why this year’s theme is: “Fashioning a Sustainable Blue Economy.”

From marine-inspired design to circular textile innovation, from youth entrepreneurship to global climate awareness, AFWA 2025 connects fashion with action — in the fight for ocean health, fair trade, cultural diplomacy, and inclusive growth.

What to Expect

Held from August 25–30, 2025, the week-long event will feature:

• Fashion Shows spotlighting African and diaspora designers using sustainable and culturally rooted methods

• Panels & Dialogues on the future of coastal cities, eco-innovation, and creative economies

• B2B Matchmaking & Networking between African and Dutch municipalities, SMEs, and cultural leaders

• Workshops & Cultural Nights that celebrate heritage, creativity, and the shared future of coastal communities

• A Showcase of Purpose, powered by the values of SDG 14 (Life Below Water), the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and EU-Africa partnerships

Who’s It For?

AFWA 2025 is for everyone who believes in fashion with a mission:

• Designers, artists & creatives

• Mayors, coastal city representatives & policymakers

• Diaspora changemakers

• Students & academic institutions

• Sustainability pioneers & NGOs

• Investors, sponsors, and cultural institutions

• And YOU — our global community!

Get Involved. Shape the Movement.

We’ve just opened applications, calls for creatives, sponsor opportunities, and a crowdfunding campaign to help support the participation of youth, women-led businesses, and underrepresented voices.

Whether you're a designer, a cultural investor, a volunteer, or someone who wants to support ethical fashion and African innovation — there’s a place for you here.

Stay Connected

This blog will be your source for:

• Featured designer stories

• Behind-the-scenes updates

• Impact highlights

• Interviews, trends, and thought pieces

• Opportunities to participate and contribute

Make sure you subscribe to the newsletter, follow us on Instagram, and share the movement using the hashtag #AFWA2025.

Visit → afmglobal.org

Join us in shaping a future where fashion leads with purpose.

The countdown to August 25, 2025 starts now.