Rwandan designers Sonia Mugabo and Haute Baso are in Madagascar where they are promoting the Made-in-Rwanda fashion brands, at the annual Origin Africa 2016 Trade Show.

The 7th edition of the continental trade fare started yesterday and ends Saturday at the Forello Centre in Antananarivo (Tana), Madagascar.

Mugabo, 25, is a designer popular for her label SM, which specialises in women and men collection, while Haute Baso is a contemporary Rwandan fashion and accessories brand founded by Candy Basomingera and Linda Mukangoga.

Speaking to The New Times ahead of the event, Mugabo said she believes this is an opportunity to showcase Rwanda’s fashion industry to the international market, and a chance to create new avenues for them to gain regional and international markets for their products.

The designers are selling locally made fashion brands, something that has raised an interest among many Rwandans. Mugabo, together with Haute Baso and a few other local designers, established a new company called Collective Rw that seeks to promote Made-in-Rwanda products and the whole fashion industry.

About Origin Africa

Origin Africa Trade Show is Africa’s premier trade event that highlights the creativity and innovation of the African cotton, textile, clothing industries, home décor, machinery and technology, with a specific focus on business, trade and investment, both regionally and internationally, while capturing the spirit, style and innovation of modern Africa.

Last year, the event took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and was organised by Africa Cotton & Textile Industries Federation (ACTIF), in partnership with Madagascar Export Processing Zone Association (GEFP).

editorial@newtimes.co.rw