Africa × India Sustainable Luxury Mission 2026
A Journey of Craft, Consciousness, and Cultural Exchange

Executive Summary

Threads of Legacy: Africa × India Sustainable Luxury Mission 2026 is a flagship creative diplomacy initiative uniting Africa and India through sustainable luxury, craftsmanship, and technology. Co-led by the African Fashion Council (AFC) and Dhana Inc., with support from the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations, the program brings ten African designers to India for a two-week immersive mission. By merging craft, innovation, and storytelling, the initiative seeks to establish a new Global South model for conscious fashion—advancing cross-cultural collaboration, trade, and sustainability.

1

Introduction & Vision

Threads of Legacy serves as a bridge between two creative powerhouses— Africa and India—each home to rich craft legacies and vibrant contemporary design movements. Rooted in the UN SDGs and aligned with India’s LiFE initiative, the mission promotes cultural diplomacy, innovation, and inclusivity, redefining luxury as an intersection of heritage, sustainability, and digital transformation.

3

Core Mission Components

  • Runway Showcase & Exhibition in New Delhi or Mumbai.
  • Designer collaboration to create ten capsule collections.
  • Cultural journeys to Kutch, Maheshwar, Jaipur, and Varanasi.
  • Global cross-continental media storytelling campaign.
  • Partnership with NIFT, AFC, and D/Sphere for AI-powered innovation.
2

Program Objectives

  • Showcase visionary African designers redefining sustainable luxury.
  • Facilitate cross-cultural collaboration between African & Indian creators.
  • Advance trade & creative exchange through B2B platforms.
  • Foster policy dialogue on circularity and design diplomacy.
  • Integrate AI, blockchain, and Product Passports for transparency.
  • Promote cultural storytelling through documentaries & photo essays.
4

Expected Impact & Deliverables

  • Position Africa × India as a global axis of sustainable luxury.
  • Empower 200+ artisans & 10 designers through cultural exchange.
  • Publish a White Paper endorsed by AFC, NITI Aayog, and PM India to the UN.
  • Launch 10 cross-continental capsule collections.
  • Formalize partnerships via MOUs across ministries and trade agencies.
  • Create a long-term Cultural Exchange Framework.
5

Program Timeline (2025–2027)

Phase 1: Recruitment & Selection (Oct 2025 – Apr 2026)
  • Global designer call via AFC & NIFT platforms.
  • Select ten African designers from diverse aesthetics.
  • Secure partnerships, sponsorships, and endorsements.
Phase 2: Partnership & Planning (Apr – Sep 2026)
  • Collaborate with NIFT, FDCI, and craft clusters.
  • Develop media, logistics, and storytelling strategies.
  • Mobilize CSR sponsors & long-term partners.
Phase 3: Mission Delegation (Nov – Dec 2026)
  • Week 1: Immersion, field visits, and workshops.
  • Week 2: Showcase, ministerial participation, expo, and white paper launch.
Phase 4: Post-Mission Engagement (2027)
  • UNGA or ECOSOC presentations.
  • Publish impact report & launch fellowships.
6

Strategic & Policy Value Additions

  • Strengthens India’s leadership at the UN in culture & sustainability.
  • Promotes fair-trade diplomacy and investment.
  • Advances Make in India & Skill India through women’s leadership.
  • Promotes circularity, carbon neutrality, and sustainable consumption.
  • Connects traditional craft with AI, blockchain & immersive tech.
7

Governance & Structural Framework

  • Joint India–Africa Steering Committee.
  • Advisory Board of global leaders & UN agencies.
  • Monitoring Framework aligned with SDG KPIs.
  • IP Protocols through WIPO-compliant systems.
  • Sustainability Strategy with circular sourcing & hybrid showcases.
8

Key Stakeholders & Partners

  • Permanent Mission of India to the UN, MEA, NITI Aayog.
  • African Fashion Council (AFC), Dhana Inc.
  • FDCI, NIFT, AIACA, Lakmé Fashion Week, TiE Global India.
  • UNDP, UNESCO, UNCTAD, Reliance Foundation, Tata Trusts.
  • Media: Vogue India/Africa, Business of Fashion, Elle, OkayAfrica, UN Web TV.
9

Legacy & Next Steps

  • Global South Fashion Innovation Lab (2027 Launch).
  • Blockchain-powered Digital Heritage Archive.
  • Youth & Artisan Fellowships for designers under 35.
  • SDG-aligned Sustainability Scorecard for long-term reporting.

Contact, Partnership, Sponsorship Coordination

For press inquiries, partnerships, and sponsorship interest:

African Fashion Council (AFC) - Fashion Lead

Dhana Inc.– Strategic Partner & D/Sphere Innovation Lead

Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations – Diplomatic Partner

info@threadsoflegacy.co

www.threadsoflegacy.co

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