HomeAFWL 2023 Testimonial

I attended the launch of the UKAFRICA TRADE EXPO at the Institute of Directors in central London on Friday (27th October 2023) under the motto: “Bringing Culture and Commerce Together for Sustainable Development”.

The expo was officially opened by His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi of Osun State, Nigeria. He is the traditional ruler and monarch of the Yoruba kingdom of Ile-Ife.

UKAFRICA TRADE EXPO’s principal aims are to bring Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) together by embracing the challenges of collective responsibility for fostering economic growth, compassion for improving economic opportunities for women and young people, and act as catalysts for transformational change of local and regional ecosystems through International Trade Development.

UKAFRICA TRADE EXPO has established six key pillars integrating sustainability, social value, and environmental considerations within competitive markets. This demonstrates a way to build capacity for collaboration, trust, and cooperation:
• Connectivity & Innovation
• Data & Market Innovation
• Cluster & Sector Development
• Supply Chain Collaboration & Logistics
• Business Education & Knowledge Transfer
• Infrastructure Investment & Joint Ventures

UKAFRICA TRADE EXPO acknowledged that the UK (United Kingdom) is a trade and investment hub with historical ties to Commonwealth countries that can facilitate opportunities for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
It also acknowledged the advantages of leveraging the Diaspora Economic Dividend between Nigeria and Jamaica as an integral component of this initiative. It opened new opportunities for creativity, cultural communication and relationship-building through a “Welcome Home” approach for 2024 and beyond.

As a small business adviser and enterprise mentor, I welcome the launch of the UKAFRICA TRADE EXPO and hope that it will grow from strength to strength over time.

I want to congratulate Prince Kamari Ademiluyi, the founder of UKAFRICA TRADE EXPO London and his team, including Rudi Page of Making Connections Work Ltd, for staging such a formative and successful event that was supported by GEC Space and other key partners.

Richard Davis, CEO, ABS Ltd
Business consultant from Manchester

Good morning Queen Ronke,

I hope you are finally getting the opportunity to get some rest.

I have been attending AFW for over 4yrs and this year working as a volunteer has been such a monumental experience for me personal. Each year that I’ve attended in the past I’ve always left with a greater understand, love & appreciation of the beauty & talent regarding fashion in Africa.

I’ve been educated on the stories behind the fabric, the rich history & the way it’s created and the beauty of the people behind it.

This year I saw the full glory of how, what it takes to bring AFW to life. I just want to thank you soo much for creating this platform to educate, celebrate and I feel in many ways unit my beautiful africa with all the nations that she has. Working backstage I saw different designers, customers enquiring about the rich history behind the culture of the clothes, accessories and I just loved it.

This year my eyes were opened to the great Queens of Africa, the year before it was about the sustainability that Africa promotes in the way designers create designs and how the creators should be invested in.

I say all this as an Ugandan who lives away from home but loves her Africa. Your event is always the highlight of my year and absolutely nothing ever compares to the level of pride & joy I feel after attending your event.

Thank you so much.

Queen Ronke,

Thank you for encouraging me to go ahead and show.

It was worth it🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼