Fashion Without Borders (FWB) Botswana reached a major milestone in October 2025, marking its 11th Annual Edition at The Grand Palm Hotel in Gaborone. Co-founder Tebo Bakwena Kabisoso reflected on the journey, noting that what began as a simple runway showcase has evolved into a dynamic ecosystem fostering mentorship, innovation, and African creativity. For Kabisoso, the milestone represents resilience, vision, and a belief that African fashion deserves a permanent place on the global stage. The celebration highlighted FWB’s growth, consistency, and lasting impact on designers, models, partners, and audiences.
The 2025 edition went beyond traditional fashion shows. It became a comprehensive platform including masterclasses, youth mentorship, business incubation, trade exchange, and international collaboration. While maintaining global standards, the event remained deeply rooted in African culture. It gave voice to industry leaders, nurtured emerging creatives, and sparked discussions about the future of fashion. FWB’s mentorship programs extended opportunities to young designers, children, differently-abled youth, and Pan-African partnerships, ensuring inclusivity and wide exposure.
Botswana’s creative economy has benefited significantly from FWB. The platform stimulates tourism, retail, manufacturing, media, and cultural diplomacy. Plans for a local fashion production factory aim to transform the industry by enabling designers to produce locally, reducing dependence on foreign factories, lowering costs, and creating employment across manufacturing, logistics, and retail.
Partnerships have been key to FWB’s success. Collaboration with Mr Price has supported 25 emerging designers in launching commercial collections, securing retail partnerships, and representing Botswana internationally. Alumni such as Victor Motlokwa, Sino Ragontse, and Caiphas Othomile show how mentorship prepares creatives for global stages, equipping them with skills in supply chain management, product development, sustainability, and brand strategy.
Inclusivity is central to FWB. Diverse casting, open platforms for designers of all backgrounds, and mentorship opportunities ensure representation and empowerment. Aspiring designers are encouraged to start where they are, seek guidance, volunteer, and collaborate, with FWB serving as a bridge to international exposure. Each edition reinforces Africa’s position as a world-class force in fashion, rich in innovation and cultural storytelling.
Looking forward, Kabisoso and the FWB team aim to expand across Africa, strengthen talent pipelines, build global partnerships, and foster fashion-led economic ecosystems. Botswana is poised to become a regional hub for sustainable manufacturing, design innovation, and youth empowerment. Through mentorship, access, and celebration, FWB is creating a lasting legacy: an empowered generation of African creatives with strong cultural identity, sustainable careers, and global opportunities. African fashion is not simply the future; it is the present, and under Kabisoso’s leadership, FWB ensures it thrives.
