Innovating Through Art, Design, & Empowerment

From repurposed plastic bricks in Ethiopia to flip-flop vases dazzling crowds in Milan, this issue of the Zelaki Newsletter celebrates the visionary spirit driving sustainable innovation across the African continent.

This week, we spotlight Kubik, a trailblazing Ethiopian startup turning plastic waste into eco-friendly housing solutions. We also look at how Kenyan artisans, in collaboration with Italian designers, are bringing marine conservation to Milan Design Week in the form of joyful, high-design pieces.

In the world of storytelling and performance, we highlight a new UNESCO-backed residency supporting young African women filmmakers and Malawi’s YDC Theatre, which is calling for stronger investment in youth-driven arts. These stories reflect how creativity and community go hand in hand—reshaping not only how we live, but how we imagine the future.

Join us as we continue to follow the threads of African artistry, activism, and innovation shaping the world, one idea at a time.

African Creativity in Fashion, Film, and Design

From breathtaking bridal couture to groundbreaking innovations in architecture and design, this week’s Zelaki Newsletter celebrates African creativity shaping global trends.

We take a closer look at Zozibini Tunzi’s stunning wedding gown, a fusion of African elegance and international craftsmanship that captivated the fashion world. In architecture, 50 Influential African Women Architects in 2025 highlights the visionaries redefining the continent’s built environment. Meanwhile, the Pan African Film Festival 2025 continues to amplify African and diasporic voices in cinema, showcasing powerful storytelling from across the globe.

Looking toward the future, we explore how African designers are leading the charge in sustainable innovation, blending traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge materials and eco-conscious solutions.

✨ And just for our readers—scroll down for an exclusive sneak peek at the upcoming Zelaki Studios Spring Collection, where heritage meets bold new design. ✨

Join us as we spotlight the trailblazers shaping the future of African art, design, and culture.

Reimagining African Art and Culture: A New Era

Welcome back to another edition of the Zelaki Newsletter, where we continue our journey through the evolving world of African art, culture, and innovation. As we explore exciting stories and updates, we are reminded of the vibrant ways African creativity is shaping global narratives.

This week, we’re celebrating monumental steps in the world of African art and culture. From the reopening of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s African Art Galleries, to a new film adaptation rooted in West African mythology, and the rise of sustainable design in Moroccan fashion, we see how Africa’s influence stretches across multiple sectors. Additionally, we take a closer look at Green City Kigali, a visionary urban project in Rwanda that exemplifies sustainability and thoughtful development.

Join us as we explore these incredible stories and continue to celebrate African heritage and innovation on the world stage.