Project Runway Africa Opens Auditions for Debut Season

What changed

Project Runway Africa is preparing its debut season, with auditions under way across Africa and submissions open until November 15, 2026.

The competition will bring together 10 designers for a 10-episode contest spanning 53 African countries. Executive producers Elijah Affi of Takeout Media and Chichi Nwoko of THE WHAT Network say the goal is to identify Africa’s next major fashion designer.

Why it matters

This gives designers a continental stage built around competition, not simply a showcase. Each participant will have to create garments under pressure and present the results on the runway, following the format of the international Project Runway franchise.

That structure could make the show’s biggest test its geography. A competition drawing from 53 countries will need to turn very different design traditions and fashion markets into a coherent television story without flattening them into one idea of “African fashion.”

The producers’ argument is straightforward: distinctive talent exists across the continent, but needs a platform capable of carrying it into the wider global fashion conversation. The show is planned as one such route, with the final prize being recognition as a major emerging designer.

The format has travelled widely before, with more than 30 international adaptations. Project Runway Africa’s distinct challenge will be making the franchise feel rooted in the continent rather than merely transplanted onto it.

Auditions are ongoing, and submissions close on November 15. The broadcaster, premiere date, prize and final contestant list have not been reported.