From Banjul to the international fashion stage, a movement is growing to turn African creativity into opportunity, sustainability and hope.

THE GAMBIA — 18 October 2026

On 18 October 2026, five emerging designers took part in a Sustainable Fashion Competition organised as part of the vision of Gambia International Fashion Week (GIFW), demonstrating the extraordinary potential of young African talent and the power of fashion to contribute to meaningful social change.

The initiative was more than a fashion competition. It was a statement about the future of young people in Africa, the importance of sustainable design and the need to create professional opportunities that allow emerging creatives to develop their talents, build careers and contribute to their communities.

Through this initiative, GIFW continues to promote a vision in which fashion becomes a platform for environmental responsibility, cultural identity, entrepreneurship and international collaboration.

MEET THE FIVE PARTICIPATING DESIGNERS

The competition brought together five designers whose participation reflects the importance of giving emerging creatives a platform to showcase their talent and pursue their ambitions.

• Assie Jatta
• Fatoumatta Dampha
• Baboucarr Jagne
• Aji Jainaba Bojang
• Abdoulie Ceesay

Their participation represents an important message: African creativity deserves visibility, investment and opportunities to grow.

By providing a platform for emerging designers, Gambia International Fashion Week aims to encourage young people to develop their skills, explore sustainable approaches to fashion and connect their creativity with the wider industry.

WHY SUSTAINABLE FASHION MATTERS

The global fashion industry faces important environmental challenges, including textile waste, resource consumption and the environmental impact of garment production.

Sustainable fashion encourages designers to rethink how clothing is created, how materials are used and how garments can be designed with greater consideration for the environment.

For Africa, this conversation also presents an opportunity to celebrate local craftsmanship, traditional knowledge, indigenous creativity and the potential of locally produced materials.

Through sustainable fashion initiatives, young designers can explore new ideas, develop innovative collections and contribute to a creative economy that values both cultural heritage and environmental responsibility.

For GIFW, sustainability is not simply a trend. It is part of a long-term vision to encourage responsible creativity while creating opportunities for the next generation.

ISMAILA JALLOW: FROM BANJUL TO MILAN, AND BACK TO BUILDING OPPORTUNITIES

Behind the vision of Gambia International Fashion Week is Ismaila Jallow, a Gambian fashion designer based in Milan, Italy, and the founder of GIFW.

Born and raised in Banjul, Jallow pursued his ambition in fashion beyond his home country, developing his creative career in Italy, one of the world’s major fashion centres. His journey reflects the determination required to enter an international industry, adapt to new environments and turn personal ambition into professional experience.

Through his own fashion brand, YOULTY, Jallow has developed a creative identity that connects African cultural influences with contemporary European fashion. His work reflects a belief that African heritage and international design can complement one another, creating new expressions of identity, craftsmanship and innovation.

But his vision extends beyond designing clothes.

Having experienced the challenges associated with pursuing opportunities abroad, Jallow established Gambia International Fashion Week in 2023 as a nonprofit platform dedicated to supporting emerging designers, models, stylists and other creative professionals.

His ambition is to help build opportunities within The Gambia while connecting local talent with international professionals, institutions and markets.

For Jallow, the runway should not be reserved for established names or those who already have access to international networks. It should also open doors for young people who have talent, determination and ideas but lack the resources and connections needed to enter the industry.

This philosophy lies at the heart of GIFW: to transform fashion from a dream accessible to a few into a pathway that more young Africans can pursue.

FASHION AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO DESPERATION

Irregular migration is a complex issue, shaped by economic pressures, personal circumstances and the search for security and opportunity. For some young Africans, the absence of visible professional pathways can make dangerous journeys seem like their only chance for a better future.

Gambia International Fashion Week believes that investing in local talent, education, entrepreneurship and the creative economy can help change that reality.

The objective is not to discourage young people from travelling, studying or building international careers. Rather, it is to help ensure that they have meaningful choices and are not forced by a lack of opportunity to risk their lives on dangerous migration routes.

A young designer who gains professional skills, a model who finds legitimate work, a stylist who establishes a business or an artisan whose craftsmanship reaches international markets can become part of a wider economic ecosystem.

These opportunities can create income, inspire other young people and strengthen local communities.

Through fashion, GIFW seeks to contribute to a future in which young Africans can pursue their ambitions with dignity, whether they choose to build their careers at home or internationally.

The message is clear: young people need opportunities, not empty promises. Talent needs investment, not barriers. And hope must be supported by real pathways to success.

PUTTING THE GAMBIA ON THE INTERNATIONAL FASHION MAP

Gambia International Fashion Week was founded to create a bridge between Gambian creativity and the international fashion industry.

Since its establishment in 2023, the platform has sought to increase visibility for local designers, connect creatives with international professionals and celebrate Gambian culture through fashion.

Its wider vision brings together fashion, tourism, cultural diplomacy, sustainability and youth empowerment.

The Sustainable Fashion Competition forms part of this mission by placing emerging talent at the centre of the conversation and demonstrating why investment in young creatives matters.

GIFW welcomes collaboration with international fashion houses, educational institutions, cultural organisations, sustainability advocates, businesses, sponsors and development partners who share the belief that creativity can contribute to inclusive economic development.

Supporting young African designers is not simply an investment in fashion. It is an investment in skills, entrepreneurship, cultural heritage and the future of the creative economy.

A REVOLUTION OF HOPE

Every designer begins with an idea. Every career begins with an opportunity. And every creative industry needs people who are willing to open doors for the next generation.

Through the Sustainable Fashion Competition and its broader international programme, Gambia International Fashion Week seeks to build a platform where African talent can be recognised, developed and connected to new possibilities.

The ambition is to ensure that young creatives are not merely spectators in the global fashion industry, but active contributors who shape its future.

From Banjul to Milan and back to The Gambia, Ismaila Jallow’s vision reflects the potential of international experience to become a source of opportunity for others.

Roots to Runway — Luxury Born in Gambia.

A vision of African creativity, sustainable fashion and opportunity for generations to come.

ABOUT GAMBIA INTERNATIONAL FASHION WEEK

Gambia International Fashion Week (GIFW) is a nonprofit fashion platform founded in 2023 by Gambian fashion designer Ismaila Jallow. The organisation promotes African fashion, emerging talent, cultural exchange, sustainability and creative entrepreneurship.

Through fashion shows, competitions, casting initiatives and international collaborations, GIFW aims to create opportunities for young creatives, strengthen The Gambia’s visibility within the international fashion industry and position the country as a destination for fashion, culture and sustainable innovation.

MEDIA AND INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS

Gambia International Fashion Week (GIFW)

Email: gifwteam@gmail.com

Website: https://www.gambiainternationalfashionweek.com

Instagram: @GambiaFashionWeek

Media contact — Abdoulie Ceesay

WhatsApp only: +220 877 110 976

CONTACTS FOR THE PARTICIPATING DESIGNERS

• Assie Jatta: 833356347
• Fatoumatta Dampha: 833597494
• Baboucarr Jagne: 835377298
• Aji Jainaba Bojang: 833460504
• Abdoulie Ceesay: +220 877 110 976 (WhatsApp only)