Elevate Africa launches Threads of Africa Fashion Film prize 2026

staff writer | Friday June 19, 2026 10:58

The program, which is open to fashion designers, filmmakers, students, and creative teams of African descent across Africa and the diaspora, seeks to promote African fashion as a vehicle for cultural preservation, economic growth, and storytelling.

Organisers said the initiative comes at a time when African fashion is attracting growing international recognition, yet many traditional textiles, garments, and production techniques face the risk of disappearing. Despite the sector's increasing global profile and significant market potential, challenges such as limited financing, inadequate infrastructure, and skills shortages continue to hinder its development.

Under the theme “Stories of Rebirth”, participants are required to produce a three- to five-minute fashion micro-film documenting an endangered or forgotten African textile, garment, or technique. Entries must combine documentary-style storytelling with visual documentation of the creative process and demonstrate how the featured tradition can be revived for contemporary cultural and economic relevance.

Speaking on the launch, Threads of Africa Project Lead, Princess-Iman Sado, described the initiative as more than just a competition.

“Threads of Africa Fashion Film Prize is more than a competition; it is a movement to reclaim our narratives and revive our traditions. It is our way of weaving a stronger and better connected Africa,” she said.

The program builds on the success of its inaugural edition held in 2024, which attracted more than 520 participants from Nigeria and other West African countries. Previous winners included Nigerian creatives Adeyoola Adenusi of Adeyoola’s Rehab and Tammytara Abaku of The Abiyetara Brand, alongside Ghanaian designer Philip-Oppong Antwi of Phyll Quahsey.

Organisers have increased the prize pool for the 2026 edition, with up to $25,000 in non-dilutive grants set to be awarded. In addition to financial support, winners will receive mentorship opportunities, increased visibility through a dedicated showcase at Elevate Africa’s 2026 Convening in Ghana, and promotion through the organisation’s networks and partners.

Elevate Africa says the initiative aims to strengthen intra-African collaboration, stimulate policy discussions around the creative economy, and contribute to the growth of a more integrated and sustainable African fashion industry. Applications are now open, and interested creatives from across the continent are encouraged to submit their entries through the Threads of Africa website.

The organisation believes the program will help ensure that Africa’s rich textile traditions are not only preserved but also repositioned as drivers of innovation, entrepreneurship, and cultural pride for future generations.