By: Audrey Raymonda John
The Africa Diaspora Fashion Hub–Sierra Leone (ADFH-SL) has unveiled its Weekend Experience 2026, an initiative aimed at promoting local fashion talent, strengthening the creative industry and creating opportunities for Sierra Leonean designers and other creatives.
Established in 2024, ADFH-SL describes itself as a platform for promoting African and Diaspora fashion, culture, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Speaking to journalists at the organization’s office on Pademba Road in Freetown, ADFH-SL President Alhaji Maddi Bangura said the organization is focused on empowering Sierra Leonean and African fashion talents through training, innovative platforms and cross-cultural collaborations.
He said the initiative is also intended to promote creativity, entrepreneurship and greater international recognition for local fashion professionals.
According to ADFH-SL, the Weekend Experience 2026 will bring together designers, models, photographers, stylists and other creative entrepreneurs for networking, skills development and access to international opportunities.
The programme will begin with a Professional Master Class at Sikira Lounge on October 10, 2026, followed by a series of activities at Chapter One, Beach Road, Freetown, on October 11.
The October 11 programme will include fashion and creative networking sessions, panel discussions, the Gambia International Fashion Week (GIFW) 2026 Casting Call, and an after-party.
The event is expected to feature international figures from the fashion industry, including Laioung of Melatto from Europe and Ismaila Jallow, a Milan Fashion Week designer and Chief Executive Officer of Gambia International Fashion Week and Africa Diaspora Fashion Hub.
ADFH-SL said the participation of international fashion professionals would provide opportunities for local creatives to establish connections beyond Sierra Leone and gain exposure to the wider African and global fashion industry.
The organization has called on the Government, corporate institutions, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders in the fashion and creative sectors to support the initiative.
It said increased investment and collaboration are important to developing a sustainable fashion industry capable of creating employment, nurturing local talent and providing creatives with access to international markets.
ADFH-SL is also inviting designers, models, fashion enthusiasts and other creatives to participate in the Weekend Experience 2026, describing it as an opportunity to network, acquire knowledge and showcase their work.
Meanwhile, the GIFW 2026 Casting Call is open to tailors, models and aspiring models. Registration forms are reportedly available at a cost of Le300, with selected participants expected to have opportunities to feature on international fashion platforms.
The organization also thanked its partners and sponsors for supporting the initiative and commended its team for its commitment to organizing the event.
ADFH-SL has invited members of the public to attend the Weekend Experience 2026 at Chapter One, Beach Road, Freetown, as it seeks to promote Sierra Leonean fashion and strengthen links between local creatives, the African fashion industry and the Diaspora.