Debonair Afrik

Debonair Afrik, in strategic partnership with Fashion Forum Africa , successfully hosted the Fashion and Design Summit 2025 on April 8th at the British Council, Accra. Under the theme “Building the Blueprint: Structuring Ghana’s Fashion Industry for Global Success,” the summit served as a pivotal platform for in-depth dialogue, strategic planning, and visionary thinking to elevate Ghana’s fashion sector on the global stage.

Recognising the creativity and passion driving the industry, the summit addressed the pressing need for strong infrastructure, sustainable frameworks, and coordinated leadership to propel long-term growth and international relevance. Discussions transitioned from aspiration to action, identifying concrete steps toward establishing a thriving fashion
ecosystem.

Notable speakers included Roberta Annan, Claudia Lumor, Renée C. Neblett, Kabutey Dzietror, Faith Senam Ocloo, Eyetsa Lorraine Ocloo, Nurideen Mohammed, Rodney Quarcoo, Richard Ohene Sika, and Oheneba Yaw Boamah. Their insights covered critical themes such as heritage as a strategic tool, sustainability, business development, and the value of authenticity in design. The event was expertly moderated by Ivy Prosper and Hillary Andoh.

Some of the key takeaways from the Summit were; Heritage as a Strategic Asset: Lorraine Ocloo highlighted Africa’s projected population growth by 2050, stressing the importance of leveraging cultural heritage as a foundation for global fashion leadership.; Mindset Shift for Sustainability: Kabutey Dzietror underscored that true sustainability requires not only policies but also a fundamental shift in industry-wide thinking and practices.; Business Acumen Beyond Design: Nurideen Mohammed emphasised the necessity of pairing creativity with business intelligence, structured mentorship, and professional development for long-term success.; Authenticity as a Global Advantage: Claudia Lumor encouraged designers to remain true to their cultural identities, advocating for originality over fleeting global trends.

Fashion and Design Summit received backing from key government representatives and stakeholders, underscoring the growing recognition of fashion’s role in Ghana’s economic and cultural development:

● Charles Sedem Hottor, the Deputy Director of Culture and Creative Arts (MoTAC), shared a strong commitment to the integration of fashion into national celebrations, stating, “We (MoTAC) want to assure you that this year’s Emancipation Day will feature fashion prominently.”
● Kofi Okyere Darko (KOD), the Presidential Adviser on Diaspora Affairs expressed confidence in the government’s support for the creative industry, saying, “In the coming months, once you see His Excellency out looking for finance or support, there’s going to be steady representation for the Creative Industry.” He also reassured stakeholders that the government would ensure “financial allocations for the Creative Industry through The Black Star Experience Initiative.”
● Gideon Aryeequaye, representing the Creative Arts Agency, highlighted the agency’s tailored approach to supporting the sector: “The Creative Arts Agency (Act 2020) established the fact that we (the government) must have tailor-made connections with all agencies, enterprises, and every discipline that falls under the Creatives.”

The summit fostered a spirit of collaboration and urgency, bringing together creatives, business owners, educators, and investors who collectively agreed on the need for coordinated action. Discussions centred on building foundational infrastructure, supporting emerging talent, promoting sustainable practices, and positioning Ghanaian fashion globally. Fashion Forum Africa and Debonair Afrik reaffirm their commitment to translating these discussions into tangible, measurable progress. The Fashion and Design Summit 2025 marks the beginning of a sustained effort to engage key stakeholders in shaping a globally competitive and culturally rooted future for Ghanaian fashion.