The fifth edition of Africa Textile Talks is coming to Cape Town from 29 to 31 July 2025. The three-day gathering is hosted by sustainability platform Twyg (South Africa) and Imiloa Collective (Mauritius), and brings together designers, makers, and thinkers from across the continent who are all pushing for a more circular, regenerative textile future.
This year’s programme dives deep into everything from textile recycling to regenerative farming and high-tech fabric innovation, through conversations with people working at every step of the fashion chain.
What to expect each day
On Day 1, the focus is on systems, specifically how circular design, extended producer responsibility (EPR) policies and local recycling networks could reshape the fashion and textile industry in South Africa. Speakers include Jesse Naidoo from Clothes2Good, David Torr from Faro, textile recycler Gary Erasmus, and sustainability experts like Dr Linus Naik, Pippa Notten and Roan Snyman.
Day 2 follows the story of wool from farm to fashion. Expect conversations about traceability, regenerative grazing, and how designers are working with wool in new, more conscious ways. You’ll hear from Karoo sheep farmer Matthew van Lingen, Cape Wools SA’s Deon Saayman, luxury designer Gugu Peteni, artist Ronel Jordaan, DAF’s Leandi Mulder and more.
Then on Day 3, the spotlight turns to the diverse textile stories shaping the continent right now. From slow craft to cutting-edge tech, this day explores how artists, designers and entrepreneurs are blending sustainability with heritage and innovation. Speakers include Zimbabwean creative Danayi Madondo, environmentalist and social designer Dr Aaniyah Martin, Nigerian artist Osione Itegboje, and multidisciplinary creative Sessi K.
Why pull up?
If you’re in fashion, sustainability, craft or design or just care about the future of how we make and consume, this is the room to be in. Africa Textile Talks is about ideas that drive real change, connections that spark new projects, and voices that challenge the status quo.
Tickets are now available, book here.
