The fifth edition of Africa Textile Talks, the continent’s most influential forum for fashion, textiles, and sustainability, is set to take place from 29–31 July 2025 at the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town. Under the transformative theme “Thread with Care”, the event will challenge delegates to reimagine the future of fashion as one that prioritises care, repair, and regeneration.
Co-produced by Twyg (South Africa) and Imiloa Collective (Mauritius), Africa Textile Talks 2025 offers a vital platform for networking, collaboration and inspiration among designers, manufacturers, artisans, and circular economy pioneers from across the African continent.
“By sharing the work of industry pioneers, sustainability experts, practitioners and artisans, we can help shift the textile, craft and fashion sectors and influence a move towards more nature-friendly consumption and production,” says Jackie May, founder of Twyg.
“Collective action is needed. No one person, brand or company can do it on their own.”
The event will be complemented by a week-long exhibition of natural, innovative African fibres and textiles at Church House in the Cape Town city centre, curated to showcase the creative and environmental potential of African-made materials.
“We’ll be exploring ideas at the intersection of fashion, craft, culture, sustainability and the circular economy,” says Priya Ramkissoon, founder of Imiloa Collective.
“The summit is about building a pan-African community of changemakers, inspiring partnerships and unlocking creative solutions that result in long-term impact.”
PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS
Tuesday 29 July – Reshaping the Future
Focus: Circular design, recycling systems, extended producer responsibility
Speakers:
- David Torr, Co-founder, Faro
- Luleka Zepe, Elamilina Environmental Project, Refashion Lab
- Gary Erasmus, MD of Connacher
- Jesse Naidoo, Clothes to Good
Wednesday 30 July – Wool in the Circular Economy
Focus: Regenerative practices, traceability, innovation in wool
Speakers:
- Deon Saayman, CEO, Cape Wools SA
- Monica Ebert, The Woolmark Company
- Matthew van Lingen, Regenerative Karoo sheep farmer
- Gugu Peteni, Luxury fashion designer
Thursday 31 July – African Making & Manufacturing
Focus: Textile innovation, indigenous knowledge, waste reduction
Speakers:
- Maria Caley, University of Namibia
- Muturi Kimani, Founder, Texfad Uganda
- Wacy Zacarias, Mozambique-based natural dye artist
- Danayi Madondo, Zimbabwean fashion designer
EXHIBITION: TEXTILES THAT TELL STORIES
Curated by Tandekile Mkize, the accompanying exhibition explores textiles as a medium for storytelling, resistance, and regeneration.
“In African traditions, cloth is more than a material. It holds the power to heal wounds – both personal and planetary,” says Mkize.
“It can be designed and produced to nurture rather than deplete, to restore rather than pollute.”
“We invite designers, artists, artisans and thinkers to reflect on how fabric can be a force for well-being, sustainability and renewal in a fractured world,” adds Jackie May.
PARTNERS & SUPPORTERS
Africa Textile Talks 2025 is proudly supported by:
V&A Watershed, H&M Group, Faro, Fedisa, Cape Wools SA, Mohair South Africa, Polo South Africa
Tickets: Book via Quicket
Media Enquiries & Accreditation:
Email: nobanzi@twyg.co.za
SOCIAL MEDIA & HASHTAGS
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- Instagram: @twygmag, @imiloacollective
- Twitter/X: @twygmag
- Facebook: Twyg, Imiloa Collective
