As Made in Africa comes to a close, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who made it possible – our attendees, partners, staff, and volunteers. This week wouldn't have been the same without your energy and dedication.
A special thank you to Owera Suzan, The Ebb Leicester, TREC and Selia White for showcasing books that uplift Black characters; to Ben Israel for his stunning art and hand-drawn paintings that celebrate the beauty of African and Afro-Caribbean culture; to Sandra for her beautiful tapestries, clothing, and jewelry; and to Madina I. , Marta Afonso , and Aisha Ibrahim for their dedication throughout the week as volunteers. We’re also incredibly grateful to the ladies of Hiddo SOCOPA, who treated us to mouth-watering food each day, and to Ade Anifowose, Business of BEing for bringing his awesome skills in drumming and sharing the importance of well-being.
Our gratitude extends to Dean Cross Haymarket for providing an accessible and central space, and to De Montfort University Engage for their support through the Community Challenge Fund.
The week was truly inspiring – filled with learning, reflection, joy, and connection. Honest and heartfelt conversations flowed freely, creating a safe space to explore identity and belonging. One attendee perfectly captured the experience, saying, “I’m glad I walked in here. It offered a place where I didn’t feel pressured but could reflect on my identity rather than feeling the need to assimilate.” This sentiment was shared by many, from children to adults, who left feeling proud, celebrated, and represented.
With over 1,200 attendees in just seven days, this was an event to remember – but it’s just the beginning. We’re excited to build on this momentum and keep bringing people together to celebrate culture, share stories, and foster understanding.
To our founder and managing director, ZamZam Y. , thank you for your vision and relentless efforts in bringing Made in Africa to life, and for uniting so many organisations with a shared purpose.
Call to Action: We invite businesses and like-minded organisations to join us in future collaborations to grow this event and make an even greater impact. Together, let’s create spaces that empower, inspire, and celebrate our rich cultures. Reach out to learn more about partnership opportunities and let’s make next year’s event even bigger and better.
Thank you for being part of this journey with us.