Calling fashion designers in Ethiopia

Creative DNA 4.0

After the resounding success of Creative DNA: Ethiopia 2023, 2024 and 2025, which empowered rising fashion entrepreneurs across Ethiopia through intensive business incubation, international collaboration, and creative growth we’re thrilled to announce the Creative DNA: Ethiopia 4.0 Open Call!

About the Open Call

Fashion + Incubator

The Creative DNA: Ethiopia 4.0 incubation programme has been specially created for early-stage fashion designers across Addis Ababa and Ethiopia’s regions, providing business, English language, and technical skill development through mentoring sessions, an 9-day Bootcamp Incubator, online campaigns, and sales opportunities. Successful applicants will also have the potential to receive microgrants, engage directly with UK fashion partners, and gain global exposure through a dedicated pop-up showcase and public panel discussions.

If chosen, you will be one of 13 designers selected from across the country to join an exciting programme that offers a platform for ambitious fashion designers to collaborate, learn and grow in a supportive environment  alongside mentors, industry experts, and alumni from previous CDNA cohorts. Our programme is designed to foster creativity and innovation, giving you the opportunity to pursue your passion, strengthen your business, and bring your fashion goals to life  locally and internationally.

Partners

British Council
Creative Hub Ethiopia
iceaddis

Programme Benefits

  • 6 weeksBusiness Incubator

    • Intensive bootcamps.
    • Tailored coaching sessions focusing on business strategy, market access, and sustainability.
    • Interaction with a diverse network of global experts and mentors.
  • collaborateNetworking and Access to Market

    • Opportunities to establish connections with key players in the Ethiopian and UK fashion industries.
    • Provide tangible market opportunities through co-created online campaigns
    • Access to market opportunities through collaborations and partnerships.
  • £Microgrant

    • Financial support through microgrants to facilitate the implementation of innovative ideas and strategies.

More info

You can download the concept note and rules & regulation documents here (PDF)