Dakar Design Hub

Sophie Sy, commissioned by APEFE, is currently leading a high-level delegation from Rwanda on an immersive exploration of Senegal's thriving fashion industry. Today Tuesday 14th of May, they experienced MARAZ exquisite workshops, witnessing the meticulous craftsmanship behind their renowned leather goods. This mission aims to empower Rwanda's emerging fashion design sector through knowledge exchange and collaboration with Senegalese experts. The delegation, representing institutions including @RwandaPolytec and MIFOTRA, kicked off their journey with a visit to Maraz, a renowned name in Senegalese leather craftsmanship. The delegation also visited the Maraz Academy, a center dedicated to training the next generation of leather artisans. Abdallah Nzabandora, WPL Coordinator from MIFOTRA, engaged in a dynamic exchange, highlighting Rwanda's Workplace Learning (WPL) program and exploring the potential for Maraz Academy to share its expertise in empowering Rwandan artisans. The Rwandan delegation's visit exemplifies the mission's objective, fostering South-South collaboration and driving growth in the African fashion landscape.

Sophie Nzinga Sy Leads Rwandan Delegation on Fashion-Focused Study Tour to Senegal. Fashion expert Sophie Nzinga Sy, founder of the Dakar Design Hub (DDH), is leading a high-level Rwandan delegation on a 7-day study tour to Senegal. This immersive experience, organized by APEFE in partnership with @RwandaLabour designed to empower Rwanda's burgeoning fashion design sector. Sophie Nzinga Sy, a recognized leader in the African fashion landscape, brings her extensive experience and expertise to this critical mission. Her deep understanding of the Senegalese fashion ecosystem, coupled with her passion for nurturing emerging talent, will guide the Rwandan delegation as they explore opportunities for growth and innovation. The delegation, representing institutions including @RwandaPolytec and MIFOTRA, will gain firsthand insights into Senegal's vibrant fashion industry. They will engage with key stakeholders, visit design studios and manufacturing facilities, and witness the success of established Senegalese brands. This strategic study tour demonstrates a powerful commitment to strengthening Rwanda's creative economy, empowering emerging designers, and establishing #MadeInRwanda as a force in the global fashion arena. #AfricanFashion #FashionInnovation #Rwanda #Senegal #CapacityBuilding #SouthSouthCollaboration

We're thrilled to be part of a groundbreaking initiative empowering the future of African fashion! Sophie Nzinga SY is leading for APEFE (APEFE) and @RwandaLabour a delegation of talented Rwandan fashion professionals for a week-long study tour in Senegal. Together, we're diving deep into Senegal's vibrant fashion ecosystem, sharing knowledge, exploring opportunities, and building lasting connections. Sophie's believe that South-South cooperation is essential to unlock the immense potential of African fashion, she is excited to contribute Dakar Design Hub expertise in design, production, and sustainable practices. Stay tuned for updates and insights from this exciting exchange! #AfricanFashion #SouthSouthCooperation #FashionEducation #Senegal #Rwanda #SkillsDevelopment #EconomicGrowth #DakarDesignHub #APEFE

Capacity building: a key success factor in brand development. We are firmly convinced that capacity building is key in the sustainable development of african designers and brands. Financing brands without properly working on their fashion businesses’ foundations and founders’ entrepreneurship skills can indeed hamper their financial performance. While knowledge transfers and alliances with international partners similar to the accelerator program we built with Institut Français de la Mode could be one way to address this issue, the african fashion education system and local training infrastructures also need to be part of the solution. According to the Council for International African Fashion Education (CIAFE), there are over 500 fashion schools in Africa. South Africa reigns supreme in terms of the quality of education, accreditations, and list of alumni (Thebe Magugu, Rich Mnisi) with institutions such as FEDISA Fashion School - Cape Town and Sandton, Johannesburg, the Design Academy of Fashion and Stadio School of Fashion . Nigeria and Ghana are next in line with OSC College of Fashion or @Bluecrest School of Fashion& Design becoming influential in the fields of fashion design on the continent. In francophone West Africa, two players are making waves thanks to the talents they foster and the diverse courses they offer. The Dakar Design Hub launched in 2021 by Sophie Sy is unique as it is an interdisciplinary design space. They successfully organized their first Fashion Symposium last December in collaboration with the British Council. In Côte d'Ivoire, Designer Michele Yakice and daughter Caroline Michèle OKEI have created a fashion education empire through the Michèle Yakice International Vocational Training School and The Centre des Métiers Michèle Yakice. Both have carved a space for aspiring Ivorian designers.  However, more still needs to be done to insure the international recognition of such curriculum and qualifications but also to strengthen local training & capacity building infrastructures as well as expertise. Hence a call for even more partnerships, joint-programs, exchanges and knowledge transfers with internationally reckoned fashion institutions and key stakeholders of the fashion industry worldwide.   #capacitybuilding #fashionentrepreneurship #africanfashionschools #africandesignhubs

Dakar Design Hub Embraces Cutting-Edge Technology & Hosts Instagram Live with AI Pioneer Delphine Diallo As part of its ongoing commitment to empowering the creative community with the latest technological advancements, the Dakar Design Hub is making significant strides in its digital transformation journey. In line with this mission, the Hub is thrilled to announce an upcoming Instagram Live session with trailblazing French-Senegalese artist Delphine Diallo on Friday, April 5, at 2 p.m. Dakar time. Diallo, who began her artistic career in music, graphic design, and art direction, discovered her passion for photography after a life-changing encounter with renowned photographer Peter Beard (1938-2020). Since 2014, she has been developing a unique visual language that celebrates the divine feminine and elevates the representation of black women in art. In recent years, Diallo has embraced the power of AI to push the boundaries of visual storytelling. Her thought-provoking masterpieces seamlessly blend her mental pictures, lucid dreams, and rich cultural heritage with the limitless possibilities offered by cutting-edge AI technology. Through her innovative use of AI-generated collages, montages, and self-portraiture, Diallo has established herself as a pioneer at the intersection of art and technology, challenging traditional notions of portraiture and empowering women through her groundbreaking artworks. The upcoming Instagram Live session is proof of Dakar Design Hub's commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements and providing a platform for artists like Delphine Diallo to showcase their innovative work. The talk promises to offer valuable insights into Diallo's creative process and shed light on the crucial role AI plays in shaping the future of art. Don't miss the opportunity to tune in to Dakar Design Hub's Instagram Live on April 5 at 2 p.m. Dakar time and be a part of this engaging discussion.

Dakar Design Hub Embraces Cutting-Edge Technology & Hosts Instagram Live with AI Pioneer Delphine Diallo As part of its ongoing commitment to empowering the creative community with the latest technological advancements, the Dakar Design Hub is making significant strides in its digital transformation journey. In line with this mission, the Hub is thrilled to announce an upcoming Instagram Live session with trailblazing French-Senegalese artist Delphine Diallo on Friday, April 5, at 2 p.m. Dakar time. Diallo, who began her artistic career in music, graphic design, and art direction, discovered her passion for photography after a life-changing encounter with renowned photographer Peter Beard (1938-2020). Since 2014, she has been developing a unique visual language that celebrates the divine feminine and elevates the representation of black women in art. In recent years, Diallo has embraced the power of AI to push the boundaries of visual storytelling. Her thought-provoking masterpieces seamlessly blend her mental pictures, lucid dreams, and rich cultural heritage with the limitless possibilities offered by cutting-edge AI technology. Through her innovative use of AI-generated collages, montages, and self-portraiture, Diallo has established herself as a pioneer at the intersection of art and technology, challenging traditional notions of portraiture and empowering women through her groundbreaking artworks. The upcoming Instagram Live session is proof of Dakar Design Hub's commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements and providing a platform for artists like Delphine Diallo to showcase their innovative work. The talk promises to offer valuable insights into Diallo's creative process and shed light on the crucial role AI plays in shaping the future of art. Don't miss the opportunity to tune in to Dakar Design Hub's Instagram Live on April 5 at 2 p.m. Dakar time and be a part of this engaging discussion.

After weeks of hard work, we are thrilled to announce our exciting new collaboration with the prestigious University of the Arts London London College of Fashion, London College of Communication and Solstiss USA. Named after the Wolof word for collaboration, the Jokko project pairs 15 students from UAL and 5 talented designers from the British Council Senegal through the CDNA Africa programme which resulted in an exciting intercultural fashion collaboration! Join us to discover the work of 5 promising African fashion rising stars.