Ndey Bassin Faye, a Gambian fashion entrepreneur, is using the CANEX WKND 2026 event in Lagos as a springboard to launch an internationally recognised brand that prioritises empowering women, celebrating local culture and showcasing African‑made textiles.
At the week‑long gathering, Faye and her fellow designers are forging cross‑border partnerships that could help scale their businesses beyond the West African market. The event, which attracts fashion innovators from across the continent, offers a platform for networking, mentorship and exposure to global buyers.
“Building a brand that speaks to the world starts with uplifting the people who create it,” Faye said. “By centring women and our own cultural heritage, we can offer something truly distinctive.”
CANEX WKND 2026, held in Nigeria’s largest city, Lagos, is part of a broader effort to reposition African fashion on the global stage. The programme includes workshops, runway showcases and pitch sessions aimed at connecting local talent with international investors.
Industry observers say that the collaborations sparked at the event could help transform not only the individual businesses of participants like Faye but also the wider African fashion industry, opening new markets and encouraging sustainable, locally sourced production.
<small>Source: AllAfrica — read the original story there.</small>
