A UK-Africa fashion exchange launched in Addis Ababa, pairing six emerging designers for collaborative, sustainable design work.

A new international fashion exchange programme, Creative DNA x Studio Smithfield, launched on March 16, 2026, pairing six emerging designers—three from the UK and three from Sub-Saharan Africa—for a week-long residency in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Organized by the British Council, Paul Smith’s Foundation, and Projekt, the initiative offers studio space, mentorship, business training, and production support, with ongoing commercial guidance for six months. Focused on sustainability, craftsmanship, and mutual learning, it emphasizes equal collaboration over traditional mentorship, aiming to strengthen global fashion ties and support diverse creative talent.