NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 2 — Africa’s growing influence in sustainable fashion took centre stage with the official launch of the 4th edition of the RLSD Africa Talent Leather Design Showcase, positioning African designers at the forefront of responsible, design-led innovation.

Part of the global Real Leather. Stay Different. (RLSD) campaign, the 2026 edition builds on more than six years of international engagement, reaching thousands of designers and students worldwide.

Organisers say the Africa showcase has evolved beyond a competition into a continental platform championing Slow Fashion and long-lasting design.

The initiative celebrates leather’s durability, versatility and craftsmanship while equipping designers with a deeper understanding of leather as a natural by-product of the meat and dairy industries—an approach aimed at promoting ethical material use and sustainable value creation.

Launching the 2026 edition, Leather and Hide Council of America (LHCA) President Kerry Brozyna said Africa is now shaping, rather than following, the global sustainability conversation.

“Africa is no longer participating from the margins—it is helping define sustainability through design,” Brozyna said, noting leather’s role as a renewable raw material transformed into products made to last.

Africa Leather and Leather Products Institute (ALLPI) Executive Director Nicholas Mudungwe said RLSD Africa has become a key bridge linking design, industry and policy across the continent.

“The platform translates Africa’s raw creative potential into globally competitive, sustainable products while anchoring value creation in African talent,” Mudungwe said.