Afrik Fashion Week
Afrik Fashion Week · Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire · 18th edition, November 11–15, 2026
The festival
Afrik Fashion Week is THE African haute couture gathering in Abidjan. Founded in 2005 by journalist and communications specialist Isabelle Anoh — first a fashion TV show, then the “Tendance Party”, which became the “Afrik Fashion Show” before taking its current name at the 16th edition — the event has, over seventeen editions, sent the big names and rising hopes of the continent's creation down the runway. Recent editions have taken up residence at the Sofitel Abidjan Hôtel Ivoire and its Palais des Congrès in Cocody.
Isabelle Anoh sums up its philosophy in one sentence: African fashion no longer has to ask permission. “Today, the continent is asserting itself more and more as a major fashion destination, deconstructing the received idea that elegance and haute couture belonged exclusively to the European model. Africa is truly taking the place it deserves on the international fashion scene.”
The 2026 edition: “Materials and Creativity”
From Wednesday, November 11 to Sunday, November 15, 2026, the 18th edition puts the continent's materials at the centre of the catwalks: “Our countries abound in an immense variety of textiles. It was essential to shine a light on them through the talent of our designers, to showcase their know-how starting from our raw materials and our traditional weavings, while energising the whole fashion industry.”
On the programme: shows by established designers — Ibrahim Fernandez is announced — and by the new generation, in a bet on mentorship and transmission; a scientific and strategic strand built with the Ivorian state scheme Fin-Culture, with a panel on support for local brands and an expert in fashion business management, to “bring designers out of isolation and foster their professionalisation”; the Fashion Networking evening, this edition's novelty, “designed so that fashion players can meet, exchange and get to know one another”; and the discovery of the women who weave the local loincloth. “This edition is resolutely turned toward business,” the promoter states — with her key issue front and centre: financing the sector, to move from made-to-measure to ready-to-wear and conquer the international market.
The shows in pictures
The Isabelle Anoh interview
Isabelle Anoh, what can we expect from this 18th edition?
“Côte d'Ivoire will host Afrik Fashion Week from November 11 to 15, 2026 — an unmissable event that has been running for many years now, as we are at its 18th edition. This year's theme is 'Materials and Creativity'. This choice comes naturally, because our countries abound in an immense variety of textiles. It was essential for us to shine a light on them through the talent of our designers, to showcase their know-how starting from our raw materials and our traditional weavings, while energising the whole fashion industry.”
How do you see African fashion today?
“When we started, people did not yet speak of a real Fashion Week in Africa. Over time, the phenomenon grew, and today every African country has at least one. I believe the continent is asserting itself more and more as a major fashion destination, deconstructing the received idea that elegance and haute couture belonged exclusively to the European model. I truly believe Africa is now taking the place it deserves on the international fashion scene.”
What is missing to establish itself internationally for good?
“Our designers are talented. We have managed to equip ourselves with quality equipment, and we are now moving into ready-to-wear, after being confined to made-to-measure for a long time. The real problem is financing the sector: that is the key point. It is what allows us to expand our ranges, meet international standards, offer large series and, ultimately, conquer the international market.”
The scientific strand is a hallmark of the 2026 edition…
“Our scientific strand, which is the strategic part of the event, is designed to bring designers out of isolation and foster their professionalisation. It is run in partnership with the state programme Fin-Culture. There will be a panel explaining the mechanisms to follow to receive support for your brand, and an expert presenting the aspects of managing and structuring a company in the fashion field. The catwalk strand remains very important to us, with the participation of great figures, emblematic designers like Ibrahim Fernandez, but also the place we will give to the new generation on the same stage. It is a serene mentorship — and we ourselves learn from them.”
A word for professionals and the public?
“One of this edition's particularities is the integration of the Fashion Networking evening. The most important thing is not only to put on the show, but to come and seize all the essential opportunities that allow us to develop our activity. This edition is resolutely turned toward business. I invite you, from November 11 to 15, to come to Côte d'Ivoire and discover this magnificent country, this Sublime Côte d'Ivoire. Come and discover its fashion, meet its designers, learn — and share our way of being and our know-how. I know you will not regret it.”
The Festival TV report
Afrik Fashion Week 2026 — the Festival TV report
Festival TV report · narrated by Muse · the shows in pictures
Also read: our article — “Afrik Fashion Week 2026: Abidjan lights up the catwalks”.
The place on the map
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To see around the festival
Landmarks — your practical information
Afrik Fashion Week, 18th edition, November 11–15, 2026 in Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire) — theme “Materials and Creativity”; promoter: Isabelle Anoh. Recent editions were held at the Sofitel Abidjan Hôtel Ivoire (Palais des Congrès), in Cocody.