Elevate Africa Opens Applications for Threads of Africa 2026 Fashion Film Prize

Elevate Africa has opened applications for the Threads of Africa Fashion Film Prize 2026, a Pan-African competition aimed at reviving endangered and forgotten African textiles, garments, and traditional fashion techniques through short-form film storytelling.

The initiative is part of a growing effort to preserve Africa’s rich textile heritage at a time when the continent’s fashion industry is gaining global recognition but continues to face structural challenges.

According to a press release dated June 10, 2026, the competition invites creatives across Africa and the diaspora to document and reimagine African textiles and techniques that are at risk of disappearing.

“ Elevate Africa is pleased to announce that applications are now open for Threads of Africa Fashion Film Prize 2026, a pan-African fashion, culture, and storytelling initiative that invites creatives across the continent to document and reimagine endangered or forgotten African textiles, techniques, and garments through fashion film,” read part of the press release.

Elevate Africa Launches Threads of Africa 2026 Fashion Film Competition

Elevate Africa further argued that African fashion is experiencing strong international momentum, with the industry valued at approximately $31 billion in 2020 and projected to grow significantly by 2030.

However, issues such as limited financing, weak infrastructure, and skills gaps continue to slow its full development.

At the same time, global exhibitions such as Africa Fashion have also highlighted the depth and richness of African design, reinforcing the need to protect and preserve traditional textile knowledge.

According to the platform, the Threads of Africa Fashion Film Prize 2026 has been created to address this gap by encouraging creatives to use film and fashion as tools for cultural preservation.

Anchored on the theme “Stories of Rebirth,” the competition aims to position African fashion as a driver of cultural diplomacy, economic transformation, and sustainable industry growth.

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How to Apply

Participants are required to submit a three to five-minute fashion micro-film focusing on an endangered or forgotten African textile, garment, or technique.

Submissions must include documentary-style storytelling, visual documentation of the creative process, and a strong argument for revival grounded in cultural and economic relevance.

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The organisation encourages interested creatives across the continent and diaspora to submit their applications via the official website: www.threadsofafrica.org.

In addition, Elevate Africa stated that the competition is open to fashion designers, filmmakers, students, and creative teams of African descent across Africa and the diaspora, with individuals allowed to apply alone or as part of a group.

Speaking on the launch, Princess-Iman Sado, Threads of Africa Project Lead, described the initiative as more than a competition.

“Threads of Africa Fashion Film Prize is more than a competition; it is a movement to reclaim our narratives, and revive our traditions. It is our way of weaving a stronger, and better connected Africa,” she said.

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Elevate Africa Launches Threads of Africa 2026 Fashion Film Competition . Photo / file