The British Council together with Paul Smith’s Foundation and Projekt today announced the launch of the Creative DNA x Studio Smithfield, a new international exchange programme bringing together a total of six fashion designers from the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa.
The programme kicked off effective from March 16 to 23, 2026, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with the aim to collaborate, share expertise and forge sustainable creative and professional relationships. The programme marks a significant step in positioning London as a genuinely global fashion hub, built on equal partnership rather than one-way knowledge skills transfer.
Farai Ncube, British Council’s regional arts director, said: “This initiative reflects the British Council’s commitment to supporting the creative economy across Africa and the UK by placing creative professionals and their potential at the centre of sustainable growth. Through authentic collaboration, skills exchange and mutual respect across cultures, we support designers and creative practitioners in building sustainable enterprises and accessing global markets. This cross-continental residency exchange in London and Ethiopia, with an emphasis on craftsmanship and sustainability, will help foster enduring partnerships, facilitate knowledge sharing, and unlock new opportunities for creative talent to thrive and collaborate across borders.”
The six participating designers, namely Solome Asfaw (Ethiopia), Reneta Brehna (UK), Chido Kaseke (Zimbabwe), Bettydora Odhiambo (Kenya), Karoline Vitto (UK), and YAKU (UK) were selected from a closed call application by a jury, including representatives from the British Council, Projekt and Paul Smith’s Foundation. They will receive direct access to industry leaders, buyers and press through studio tours, professional networking and personal introductions; structured mentorship from Paul Smith’s Foundation’s extensive professional network; production support and facilities access throughout collection development; showcasing opportunities and sustained commercial guidance extending six months post-programme. — Own Correspondent.
