Fashion Without Borders (FWB) Botswana celebrated a monumental 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 over a decade ago as a simple runway showcase has grown into a dynamic ecosystem fostering mentorship, innovation, and African creativity. For Kabisoso, reaching this milestone symbolizes resilience, vision, and a steadfast belief that African fashion deserves a permanent place on the global stage. The celebration highlighted not only the growth and consistency of FWB but also its lasting impact on designers, models, partners, and audiences who have been part of the journey.
The 2025 edition stood out for its evolution beyond traditional fashion shows. It became a comprehensive platform encompassing masterclasses, youth mentorship, business incubation, trade exchange, and international collaboration. While maintaining global standards of execution, the event remained deeply rooted in African culture, giving voice to industry leaders, nurturing emerging creatives, and opening conversations about the future of fashion. FWB’s hands-on mentorship programs extended opportunities to young designers, children, differently-abled youth, and Pan-African partnerships, ensuring inclusivity and exposure for all.
Botswana’s creative economy has benefited immensely from platforms like FWB, which stimulate tourism, retail, manufacturing, media, and cultural diplomacy. Looking ahead, the proposed fashion production factory in Botswana promises to transform the local 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 central to FWB’s growth, notably its collaboration with Mr Price, which 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 exemplify how mentorship prepares creatives for global stages, offering practical skills in supply chain management, product development, sustainability, and brand strategy.
Inclusivity remains a cornerstone of FWB. Diverse casting, open platforms for designers of all backgrounds, and mentorship opportunities ensure representation and empowerment. Aspiring designers are encouraged to begin where they are, seek guidance, volunteer, and collaborate, with FWB acting as a bridge to international exposure. Each edition underscores Africa’s position as a world-class force in fashion, rich in innovation and cultural storytelling.
Looking to the future, Tebo Bakwena 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 is ensuring it thrives.
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