Research and Analysis Kenya’s recent proposal to impose a 5% deemed profit tax on imported second hand clothing, commonly known as mitumba, sparked one of the most important fashion policy debates East Africa has seen in years. Although the proposal was eventually withdrawn after public backlash, the conversation it triggered continues to expose deeper tensions surrounding trade, local manufacturing, sustainability, consumer access, and the future of African fashion economies. At first...

An analysis of what UN backed protection means for the future of African textiles and cultural heritage Introduction: What Is Kente Cloth? Kente cloth is one of the most globally recognised African textiles. Originally a prestigious hand woven fabric from Ghana, it was traditionally crafted by the Ashanti and Ewe communities and carries deep cultural meaning. Each colour and pattern conveys symbolic significance tied to history, status, values, and storytelling. For centuries, nwentoma, as it...

In this article, we take a look at Thebe Magugu’s collaboration with Mount Nelson, a Belmond Hotel, Cape Town, and how it redefines African luxury by blending fashion, culture, and design into immersive hospitality. We also explore how the project sets a precedent for African designers to shape global luxury through authentic, multidimensional experiences.