Fifteen emerging designers from six African countries have been named finalists in the Real Leather. Stay Different. (RLSD) Africa Talent Leather Design Showcase 2026, earning a place in one of the continent’s leading competitions for sustainable leather design.
The finalists were selected from hundreds of entries submitted from more than 10 African countries, with judges recognising designs that demonstrated creativity, innovation, commercial potential and environmental responsibility.
The competition promotes the use of leather as a durable and sustainable material while encouraging designers to embrace the principles of slow fashion by creating quality products that are built to last.
The finalists were chosen by an international panel comprising leather industry expert Michael Redwood, Lead Judge Preston Viswamo, Ruth Girmay, Jacqueline Shaw, Tezera Ketema and Judy Ngotho. Entries were assessed on originality, design concept, relevance, sustainability and commercial viability.
The shortlisted designers are drawn from Kenya, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Ethiopia and Uganda, reflecting the growing strength of Africa’s leather and fashion industry.
In the apparel category, designers presented collections inspired by African culture, personal experiences and environmental conservation. Kenya’s Wambui Thiong’o was shortlisted alongside Nigeria’s Clara Udegbe, Omosalewa Ogunjimi and Emeka Oguejiofor, as well as Ethiopia’s Misgana Setu.
The accessories category features Kenya’s Millicent Wanza and Munyiva Musuva, Rwanda’s Umuhuza Hirwa Jeanluc, Kuol Nyagoa and Kamysha Martin, whose designs drew inspiration from nature, music, culture and sustainability.
In the footwear category, Kenya’s Peter Kinyanjui joins Zimbabwe’s Nompumelelo Marilyn Samambgwa and Owen Taruvinga, Uganda’s Atuhamize Yoram and Ethiopia’s Betelhem Kassaye Yeshitila in the race for top honours. Their entries highlight African heritage, innovation and environmentally conscious design.
The finalists will now develop prototypes of their concepts with guidance from industry experts before presenting their finished products later this year.
The overall winner, the RLSD Africa 2026 Most Commendable Designer, will represent the continent at the global Real Leather. Stay Different. finals in Bangkok, Thailand. Winners in the individual categories will be announced during the continental showcase in November.
Organisers said this year’s competition showcased the creativity and innovation of Africa’s emerging designers, reinforcing the continent’s growing reputation as a leader in sustainable leather design.
