Nigiyena, a beneficiary of the British Council’s Creative DNA accelerator programme, participated in the eight-day AFWL 2026 programme held from August 17 to 23 at 8 Northumberland Avenue and the British Council Headquarters in London.
His participation marked the first time Rwanda was represented at the AFWL showcase through the Creative DNA programme, which supports emerging African fashion designers by strengthening their skills, expanding their networks and creating opportunities to access international markets.
The partnership between the British Council and AFWL built on the success of their debut collaboration last year and sought to connect African designers with new audiences while supporting the development of creative economy ecosystems across the continent.
The programme featured discussions on issues shaping the continent’s fashion industry, including African Fashion in Education, Creativity Beyond Borders and African Futures: Where African Design Is Going Now.
Nigiyena founded Matheo Studio, a fashion brand recognised for its cinematic and Afrofuturist approach, combining avant-garde silhouettes, African narratives and detailed craftsmanship.
His work has previously been showcased on major platforms, including Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Kigali and international showcases connected to New York Fashion Week, contributing to Rwanda’s growing presence in global fashion.
Reflecting on his participation in the Creative DNA showcase, Nigiyena said the programme had played an important role in helping him develop his business.
“Matheo Studio has been a labour of love and I’m glad that Creative DNA has been by my side to help it get to the next level. My participation at the Creative DNA showcase at African Fashion Week London will be a great eye opener for my business,” he said.
British Council Rwanda Country Director Rebecca Picton said Nigiyena’s participation provided an opportunity to highlight Rwanda’s growing fashion and creative talent.
“Maurice is a great ambassador for the new wave of Rwandan and African designers. His participation at the Creative DNA showcase will not only be of great benefit to him and boost his potential as a creative to watch, but we also hope that it will help to shine a spotlight on the wealth of creative talent in Rwanda,” she said.
Nigiyena was among 10 designers selected to present under the Creative DNA banner at this year’s AFWL. The group included Bettydora Odhiambo of Atieno Studio from Kenya, Adedayo Ilori of Dimeji Ilori from Nigeria, Joan Nantege of Joan Jade from Uganda, Mastewal Belay of Mastewal Alemu from Ethiopia, Neema Nkatha Kinoti of Ohana Swimwear from Kenya, Chido Kaseke of Patch Maoko from Zimbabwe, Nyame-Nhyiraba Awura of Republic of Africa from Ghana, Ropafadzo Kuki Mapira of Soleil from Zimbabwe, and Solome Kiflu of Xufan from Ethiopia.
Creative DNA is the British Council’s fashion initiative aimed at supporting and strengthening Africa’s fashion ecosystem by nurturing designers’ skills, deepening their knowledge and expanding their professional networks.
The British Council said the initiative is designed to help emerging African fashion entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses and connect with international markets while contributing to the growth of creative industries across the continent.
The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. It builds connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and communities worldwide and operates in more than 100 countries.
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