In partnership with Decorex AFRICA, Capitec handmadeAFRICA Design MRKT will present an exciting expansion of its pioneering retail capsule showcasing premium Pan-African design. Taking place as part of Decorex Cape Town from 5 to 8 June 2025, this artisanal market invites visitors to discover and take home exquisite creations from over 40 of the continent’s most visionary brands.
2025 Refresh
After the resounding success of its 2024 debut, Capitec handmadeAFRICA is back with a refreshed vision and expanded footprint – reaffirming its commitment to celebrating Africa’s creative spirit and bold entrepreneurial drive. The Design MRKT continues to lead the charge in connecting audiences with the most exciting design talents from across the continent in an engaging and immersive shopping experience.
Afro-optimism is high on the creative agenda, and we are, once again, taking our place as leaders in the development of the continent’s creative pulse,” says Garreth van Niekerk, Creative Director of Capitec handmadeAFRICA. “This year’s market is more textured, more curated, and more committed than ever to showcasing the best of African creativity.”
What Visitors Can Expect
Visitors can expect a carefully curated collection of luxury design brands – each one a testament to the power of craftsmanship, cultural expression, and forward-thinking design. From homeware to fashion, ceramics to gourmet delights, each product tells a unique African story and showcases the talent and tenacity of its makers.
Entrepreneurship and creative problem-solving are at the heart of Capitec – we began as a startup and grew into South Africa’s largest digital bank,” says Asha Patel, Head of Brand and Communications at Capitec. “We are excited to once again support African creativity, backing the designers and small businesses that shape our cultural and economic landscape. By investing in these creators, we celebrate our rich heritage while empowering African design to thrive on a global stage.”
Spotlight on Emerging Talent
An exciting new addition to the 2025 edition is the Spotlight section – a specially curated showcase of emerging talent pushing boundaries in form, function and narrative.
This year’s featured talents include:
Bombisa
Founded by Lazi Mathebula, the new Isivunguvungu range (an isiXhosa word for “a storm”) will launch at the Pavilion. In the works presented, Bombisa explores movement, fragility and force through a series of intricate paper sculptures. Crafted from Fabriano paper and folded using origami-inspired techniques, the works evoke the tension between stillness and turbulence, delicacy and power. Each form captures a suspended moment within the storm, where chaos meets quiet, and paper becomes a monument.
HausMayhem
The brainchild of ceramicist Molly Roberts, HausMayhem is known for organic, handmade pieces laced with whimsy and the absurd. These striking works of art range from the practical to the theatrical, serving as conversation pieces for bold interiors.
Callie Quilts
A heartfelt collaboration between mother and daughter, Callie Quilts brings their mutual love of textiles and colour to life in each handcrafted quilt. Made in Cape Town and Onrus, these
heirloom-quality creations blend tradition with modern aesthetics.
The Hungry Mute
A sensory delight, The Hungry Mute offers brownies as you’ve never experienced before. Marrying premium African ingredients with artistic flair, each bite is a luxurious celebration of taste and design, perfect for indulgence or thoughtful gifting.
The Capitec handmadeAFRICA Design MRKT is more than a shopping experience. It’s a celebration of identity, heritage, and the infinite potential of African design.
