9 main Rwandan trend designers and creatives are set to journey to London, United Kingdom, for superior coaching and a global exhibition beneath the Rwanda Vogue Entrepreneurship Programme (2025–26), an initiative supported by the British Excessive Fee in Kigali, the College of Westminster and the British Council.
The programme goals to equip individuals with enterprise and entrepreneurial expertise, broaden their worldwide networks, and expose them to the UK's trend business whereas showcasing Rwanda's rising inventive expertise on the worldwide stage.
As a part of the programme, the Rwandan delegation will stage a public exhibition on London's iconic Regent Avenue, marking the primary time modern Rwandan trend will probably be showcased in one of many world's most famous buying districts.
The exhibition is predicted to introduce British audiences and worldwide consumers to Rwanda's distinctive trend identification whereas opening new avenues for collaboration and market entry.
The individuals chosen for the programme embrace Asterie Hitimana (Twinkle by Asty), Patrick Muhire (Inkanda Home), Liliane Uwase (Dobe Couture), Sonia Mugabo (SM), Maurice Niyigena (Matheo Studio), Yves Nshimiyimana (Isheja Vogue), Matthew Rugamba (Home of Tayo), Joselyne Umutoniwase (Rwanda Clothes), and famend mannequin and artistic Franco Kabano.
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Talking forward of the delegation's departure on Friday, June 19, British Excessive Commissioner to Rwanda Alison Thorpe mentioned the initiative was impressed by her admiration for Rwanda's trend business and the untapped potential she believes exists for Rwandan manufacturers within the UK market.
“I’ve all the time had a fascination with trend, and after I got here to Rwanda and noticed the wonderful trend on provide right here, I felt there was an entire new market within the UK that will embrace Rwandan trend in the identical manner I’ve,” Thorpe mentioned.
She defined that the largest problem was figuring out a pathway for Rwandan designers to enter that market, an concept that ultimately developed into the entrepreneurship programme.
In keeping with Thorpe, trend is a precedence sector for each the UK and Rwandan governments, making the initiative a chance to advance their shared ambition of strengthening the inventive financial system.
“If we would like Rwandan designers to export to the UK, they should perceive the UK market—what customers purchase, how they store and what they search for in trend. This programme is all about giving Rwandan designers that understanding,” she mentioned.
Thorpe expressed optimism that individuals would return with precious business data, skilled networks and potential business partnerships after participating with trend consultants and consumers in London.
“I hope that by the top of the programme they won’t solely have realized an excellent deal but in addition established connections with UK consumers. My hope is that throughout the subsequent 12 to 18 months we are going to see clothes by these Rwandan designers being offered in shops throughout the UK,” she added.
Among the many chosen individuals is Matthew Rugamba, founder and CEO of Home of Tayo, who described the initiative as a significant milestone for Rwanda's trend business.
“This programme has been a very long time within the making, and we’re excited that it has reached a stage the place we will take our work and designs to the UK,” Rugamba mentioned.
He famous that whereas coming into the UK market had beforehand depended largely on particular person efforts, the programme brings collectively institutional assist from a number of companions, considerably bettering the prospects for fulfillment.
“We could have the chance to be taught inside an establishment with a wealthy trend heritage in one of many world's main trend capitals. It’s a distinctive expertise, and we’re very grateful for it.”
Rugamba mentioned he hopes the inaugural cohort will open doorways for future generations of Rwandan designers and creatives, contributing to the long-term development and worldwide recognition of the nation's trend business.
Designer Sonia Mugabo may also profit from the programme which, she mentioned, has already strengthened collaboration amongst Rwanda's trend group forward of representing the nation overseas.
“This dialog began with the designers and the British Excessive Fee. We have now recognized for fairly a while that this chance was coming,” she mentioned.
She added that one of many programme's biggest advantages has been bringing designers collectively regardless of their busy schedules.
“What has stood out for me is constructing this relationship with the British Excessive Fee, but in addition with my fellow designers. All of us reside and work in Rwanda, however everyone seems to be busy operating their very own enterprise.”
Mugabo mentioned the programme's theme, 'Weaving Collectively,' displays the collaborative spirit behind the initiative.
“It's about bringing all of us into one room, sharing our experiences as designers and representing Rwanda collectively within the UK,” she mentioned.
What’s the London Section?
The London section is the end result of the programme, shifting from native engagement in Rwanda to worldwide publicity.
It offers taking part designers with direct publicity to international trend networks and viewers, sensible coaching in visible merchandising and trend enterprise expertise and alternatives to interact with UK business consultants, teachers, and entrepreneurs.
The programme is delivered via a structured partnership between UK establishments and Rwandan creatives, combining experience, coverage assist, and business engagement.
What is going to occur in London?
Throughout their keep in London, creatives will endure a bespoke brief course delivered on the College of Westminster. They may also pursue skilled coaching in branding, merchandising, and storytelling in addition to preparation and supply of a public exhibition of Rwandan trend in central London (Regent Avenue).
The London showcase kinds a part of a wider programme journey, together with preparation in Rwanda and follow-on engagement with worldwide companions. The launch occasion and media engagement exercise to showcase Rwandan expertise internationally can also be on the agenda.
Why the programme issues
The initiative recognises the inventive financial system as a driver of financial development, job creation, and cultural diplomacy. It helps Rwanda’s ambitions to strengthen its inventive industries, construct export-ready companies and broaden folks‑to‑folks hyperlinks with the UK.
The programme additionally displays a wider shift in UK engagement—from direct funding to partnerships, experience, and investment-focused collaboration.
