A Week of African Designers Shaping the World's Fashion

The Kigali International Fashion Festival (KIFF) is a week-long celebration of design, creativity and enterprise, held in Kigali, Rwanda, March 8–14, 2027. KIFF brings together designers, makers, buyers and fashion lovers to showcase the talent coming out of Africa and connect it to new markets.

March 8–14, 2027
Kigali, Rwanda

A model in a long white fringed coat studded with pearls walks the runway barefoot

Culture and growth

KIFF exists to promote African culture through fashion and to fuel the growth of the designers who carry it forward. Every collection tells a story of heritage, craftsmanship and identity, and KIFF puts those stories on a global stage. Beyond the runway, the festival opens doors to new customers, partners and markets, helping designers turn creative talent into lasting, thriving businesses.

What to expect

Runway shows featuring established and emerging designers.
A marketplace where guests can shop directly from designers.
Networking with buyers, retailers and partners looking for the next great African brand.

A model in a green gown with a raffia hem walks beneath a lit arch as guests look on

Why Kigali

Kigali is one of Africa's most dynamic cities: clean, safe, welcoming and growing fast as a hub for creativity and business. It's the natural home for a festival built on connection.

Meet the team

The Kigali International Fashion Festival is brought to life by a team dedicated to celebrating African design, elevating creative talent, and connecting Kigali to the global fashion stage.

Stevon Sampson
Founder & President
Stevon leads KIFF's vision and strategic direction, guiding the festival's growth and its mission to showcase designers from Rwanda, across Africa, and beyond during International Women's Day week.
Yvette Umutoni (Perroni)
Talent Director & Operations Manager
Yvette oversees designer and talent relations and keeps the festival running smoothly, from applications and scheduling to on-site coordination.
Maurice Niyigena
Fashion Curator & Managing Director
Maurice shapes the creative heart of KIFF, curating the designers and collections featured each year and managing the festival's day-to-day direction.
David Niyonshuti
Media Director
David leads KIFF's media, content, and storytelling, making sure the festival's designers and moments reach audiences in Kigali and around the world.

Presented by 1819twenty

KIFF is presented by 1819twenty, a platform that brings African fashion brands to customers in the United States and beyond. Participating designers can choose to sell through 1819twenty, extending their reach well past festival week.