The 11th Annual Fashion Without Borders (FWB) Botswana is set to elevate the country’s creative economy once again, taking place at The Grand Palm Hotel in Gaborone from 23 to 25 October 2025. For more than a decade, FWB has established itself as a pivotal platform that not only showcases regional fashion talent but also champions inclusivity, youth empowerment, and industry sustainability. This year’s edition promises to be a compelling celebration of African excellence, nurturing the future leaders of the continent’s expanding fashion industry and recognising its role as a vital economic driver.
FWB has consistently demonstrated that fashion is far more than aesthetics. It is a powerful tool for cultural expression, economic development, and social progress. According to Statista, the African fashion industry was valued at approximately USD 31 billion in 2020, with projections indicating it could surpass USD 50 billion by 2030, making FWB’s investment forward-thinking. The event serves as a bridge between established industry professionals and the rising stars of tomorrow, offering mentorship, educational opportunities, and a platform for emerging talents to showcase their work to regional and international audiences. As Botswana seeks to position itself as a centre of creative innovation, events like FWB reinforce the importance of investing in the creative sector as a catalyst for growth and diversity.
The three-day programme is designed to engage and inspire a broad spectrum of participants, from children to seasoned professionals. The opening day on 23 October features a ‘Kiddies Fashion Masterclass – a free event that introduces children to the fundamentals of fashion, encouraging confidence, creativity, and self-expression from a young age. By fostering an understanding of style and design early on, FWB aims to nurture the next generation of fashion enthusiasts and industry practitioners.
The second day, dedicated to deeper industry insights, features the ‘Fashion Unpacked Masterclass’ with the indomitable Laduma Ngxokolo of Maxhosa Africa. The 4-hour session is tailored to students and emerging designers, offering a rare opportunity to learn directly from one of Africa’s most acclaimed fashion icons. Ngxokolo, who recently showcased at Paris Fashion Week, will share expertise on design, branding, sustainability, and entrepreneurship in fashion, together with regional experts and the Fashion Twins Cairo. This masterclass emphasises not only creative excellence but also the business acumen necessary for local designers to thrive in a global market. Later in the day, a highlight for young talent comes with the ‘Kiddies Fashion Showcase’. This vibrant runway event celebrates youthful innovation. Featuring collections by emerging designers and models, the showcase amplifies the voices of Africa’s future fashion leaders while providing a lively and engaging platform for new talent to gain exposure.
The final day culminates in a high-profile evening fashion affair. This world-class runway presentation will feature top designers from across the region, presenting their latest collections to industry insiders, media, and aficionados. The event will be complemented by live performances and entertainment, creating a festive atmosphere that celebrates creativity and cultural pride.
A crucial aspect of FWB is its commitment to nurturing talent through opportunities such as the partnership with Mr Price Group. This collaboration offers a prestigious internship programme that provides selected emerging designers with a direct pathway into the retail industry. Participants will gain practical experience in product development, retail operations, and global business practices, transforming the event into a significant career springboard. Such initiatives exemplify FWB’s broader mission to professionalise and industrialise Africa’s fashion sector, turning creative talent into sustainable economic activity.
The significance of platforms like FWB extends beyond runway shows. They are essential agents of social and economic progress, fostering diversity, inclusion, and entrepreneurship in Africa’s burgeoning fashion industry. By creating opportunities for young designers, encouraging regional collaboration, and positioning Botswana as an innovation hub, FWB enhances the country’s reputation as a centre of artistic excellence and business innovation. Tebo Bakwena-Kabisoso, Co-Founder of FWB Africa, underscores this impact. She states: “For over a decade, Fashion Without Borders has created pathways for young creatives to thrive. This year, we celebrate that journey by not only showcasing talent but also investing in the next generation of fashion leaders. Our mission is to empower, educate, and elevate African creativity while positioning Botswana as a hub of innovation and diversity.”
The Fashion Without Borders legacy has made ripples of change by going further than simply being about a showcase. It is a strategic investment in Africa’s creative economy, an incubator for talent, and a celebration of the continent’s vibrant cultural identity. As the region continues to gain recognition on the global fashion stage, platforms like FWB play a crucial role in shaping the industry’s future – fostering economic growth, promoting diversity, and adding beauty to everyday life.
