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Kenya Endorses 'Africa's Next Super Model 2026' for Tourism and Creative Economy Growth

From The Punch · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement New plan
  • The Kenyan government has officially endorsed the "Africa's Next Super Model 2026" initiative.
  • The Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife views the event as a strategic platform for tourism promotion and cultural diplomacy.
  • Kenya aims to leverage the modeling initiative to boost its creative economy, enhance international visibility, and promote fashion tourism.

Kenya has officially endorsed "Africa's Next Super Model 2026," recognizing it as a significant strategic platform for promoting tourism, cultural diplomacy, and the growth of the nation's creative economy. The endorsement comes from Kenya's Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, signaling a commitment to leveraging the continental modeling initiative.

The Ministry officially endorses Africa’s Next Super Model 2026 and recognises the Africa International Fashion Week as a strategic event that will contribute to tourism promotion, destination marketing, cultural diplomacy, and the growth of Kenya’s creative economy.

— Prof. Julius BitokPrincipal Secretary, Kenya’s Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, Prof. Julius Bitok, stated the government's official endorsement and its strategic importance.

Founded by Nigerian fashion entrepreneur Joan Okorodudu, the event's grand finale is scheduled for November 2, 2026, in Nairobi, with casting calls taking place on August 29, 2026. Prof. Julius Bitok, Principal Secretary for Tourism, conveyed the government's support, highlighting the initiative's potential to enhance Kenya's international visibility and contribute to tourism growth.

Bitok emphasized that Kenya prioritizes the creative economy as a key driver of transformation, citing its role in job creation, youth empowerment, innovation, exports, and tourism. The ministry sees "Africa's Next Super Model 2026" and the associated "Africa International Fashion Week" as crucial events for destination marketing and showcasing African fashion and culture.

We believe that our partnership will enhance tourism growth in Africa.

— Prof. Julius BitokProf. Julius Bitok expressed optimism about the partnership's impact on African tourism growth.

Kenya intends to utilize the initiative's continental reach to identify and nurture emerging African modeling talent. The government believes the event will attract participants, designers, photographers, media, investors, and international audiences, further positioning Kenya as an attractive tourism and investment destination. The initiative is also expected to highlight Africa's rich cultural heritage through fashion, complementing existing tourism niches like cultural and MICE tourism.

This event will highlight Africa’s rich cultural heritage through fashion while positioning Kenya as an attractive tourism and investment destination.

— Prof. Julius BitokProf. Julius Bitok emphasized how the event would showcase African culture and promote Kenya.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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