Pinda Furniture and Interior Design is a design-led studio creating bespoke furniture, rugs, and interior environments inspired by African narratives. Rooted in Nguni cultural references and material exploration, the practice translates African design heritage into contemporary, globally competitive pieces for premium residential, hospitality, and institutional markets, combining craftsmanship, identity, and innovation.

Instagram: @pindadesign

Neimil is a South African fashion and homeware brand founded in 2018 by designer and curator Keneilwe Mothoa. Rooted in African heritage, storytelling, and craftsmanship, the brand creates contemporary fashion, furniture, and décor using locally sourced materials. Neimil champions slow design, cultural integrity, longevity, and meaningful production through distinctive sculptural forms.

Website: https://neimil.com

Instagram: @neimil

Emotives Africa is a contemporary African design brand creating expressive multimedia prints, patterns, and artworks across diverse surfaces and products. Its offering includes bespoke and licensed patterns, fine art, fabrics, apparel, wallpaper, murals, ceramics, homeware, and body art. Rooted in African symbolism, textiles, and geometric abstraction, the brand explores emotion, identity, and heritage.

Website: https://xolelam.co.za

Instagram: @xolela_madlanga

Akhada Baskets is a Lilongwe-based Malawian business producing handcrafted woven products including baskets, mats, handbags, furniture, and décor. Combining traditional weaving techniques with contemporary aesthetics, the business serves homes, hospitality, retail, and corporate clients. Akhada Baskets is also developing workshops and cultural experiences that celebrate Malawian craftsmanship and provide additional opportunities.

Website: https://akhadabaskets.com

Instagram: @akhadabaskets

SWANK JOZI is a Johannesburg-born streetwear brand using fashion as a platform for creative storytelling and social commentary. Inspired by local street culture and global influences, the brand translates South African narratives into distinctive apparel that explores identity, belonging, and community. Its approach positions fashion as both cultural expression and contemporary communication.

Website: https://swankjozi.com

Instagram: @swank_jozi

Thethana is a fashion and lifestyle brand rooted in Basotho cultural heritage, specialising in women’s apparel and home-styling products. Drawing on seshoeshoe and other African textiles, the brand combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design to create distinctive, culturally resonant products. Thethana focuses on quality, identity, and developing export-ready African design for global markets.

Instagram: @thethana_ls

GUGUBYGUGU is a South African luxury knitwear and textile brand founded by award-winning designer Gugu Peteni. Driven by sustainable production, the brand elevates natural fibres including mohair and merino wool through contemporary design and responsible manufacturing. Its culturally resonant storytelling positions South African craftsmanship within international luxury markets while celebrating local materials and expertise.

Website: https://www.gugubygugu.com 
Instagram: @gugubygugu

LEO SZN is a fashion-focused creative consulting firm supporting designers and beauty brands across South Africa and the broader SADC region. Founded by Kirsten Leo-Situma, the business helps creative enterprises professionalise operations, strengthen brand positioning, and access markets. LEO SZN bridges the gap between creative talent and commercial opportunity, strengthening Africa’s fashion ecosystem.

Website: http://www.leoszn.co.za

Instagram: @leosznconsulting

House of Xandria is a Malawian luxury fashion house creating bespoke and ready-to-wear garments for men and women. Combining couture craftsmanship with bold African aesthetics, the brand celebrates cultural pride through distinctive design. Its socially conscious approach promotes empowerment and inclusion while positioning African fashion and Malawian creative talent within premium markets.

Instagram: @iam_xandria

Vetkoek Studios is a Johannesburg-based independent game development and animation studio creating vibrant, optimised representations of African experiences. The studio develops original games and interactive content that combine entertainment, cultural storytelling, and accessible gameplay. By bringing African perspectives into digital entertainment, Vetkoek Studios connects local narratives with audiences across global markets through creative technology.

Website: https://vetkoekstudios.co.za

Instagram: @vetkoek_studios

TikTok:@vetkoek_studios

LinkedIn: Vetkoek Studios

Music Business Lab is an African music-industry education and capacity-building enterprise founded by music executive Ninel Musson. MBL develops professional teams behind successful artists through university-certified courses, Masterclasses, and its flagship Bootcamp. Programmes cover recorded music, management, publishing, rights, marketing, data, contracts, and entrepreneurship, alongside mentorship, coaching, portfolio development, and market access.

Website: https://musicbusinesslab.africa 
Instagram: @music_business_lab

iQHAWE Media is a woman-led creative agency and publishing platform producing iQHAWE Magazine and the exhibition-led photography collective everything in; out. Operating across publishing, digital storytelling, cultural research, and exhibitions, the business documents and amplifies contemporary African creative practice. It connects emerging creatives, audiences, and brands through culturally resonant editorial and physical experiences.

Website: https://iqhawemagazine.com 
Instagram: @iqhawemagazine

Bridge Books is a Johannesburg-based independent bookstore, publisher, and literary platform dedicated to African literature, particularly works in African languages. Combining bookselling, publishing, editorial services, and community programming, the business expands access to African stories and knowledge. Through its nonprofit African Book Trust, Bridge Books also supports libraries, literacy initiatives, and underserved communities.

Website: https://www.bridgebooks.co.za

Instagram: @bridgebooks

Facebook: @bridgebooksCBD

TikTok: @bridgebooks

YouTube: @bridgebooks

Lincoln Green Media is an award-winning female-led African production company founded in 2022 by screenwriter and producer Kudi Maradzika. Operating across South Africa and Zimbabwe, the company develops globally exportable African film and television stories, including Bad Influencer for Netflix Africa. Its UKO IP studio expands ownership-first African intellectual property across international markets.

Website: https://www.lincolngreenmedia.com/

Instagram: @lincolngreenmedia

Better Yet is a Johannesburg-based creative company developing transmedia opportunities from African cultural assets including films, books, performances, and artworks. The business transforms existing intellectual property into immersive experiences, XR works, interactive formats, merchandise, and screen adaptations. Better Yet provides rights strategy, creative development, production, and international distribution while helping creators retain ownership and build long-term value.

LinkedIn: Better Yet Creative