ZANZIBAR–
The enchanting island of Zanzibar is set to host the 5th edition of the Zanzibar International Culture, Art and Fashion Festival (ZICAFF), an annual celebration that merges fashion, art, culture, and business through tourism. Initiated by the Zanzibar Entertainment Foundation (ZAEF), the festival has grown into one of Africa’s most anticipated cultural showcases, offering a unique platform for creativity, entrepreneurship, and cross-cultural exchange.
This year’s festival runs from 23rd to 27th August 2025, with the main event on 27th August at the iconic Livingstone Restaurant, Stone Town, Zanzibar. The event will host a wide range of activities designed to inspire, entertain, and empower participants from across Africa and beyond.
Guest of Honour
ZICAFF 2025 is honored to welcome Alois Inninger, Zanzibar Tourism Ambassador, as the Guest of Honour, underscoring the festival’s alignment with Zanzibar’s cultural tourism vision.
Festival Highlights
The five-day festival promises a vibrant line-up of activities that blend tradition, creativity, and business innovation. Key events include:
- Sunset Fashion Show – A breathtaking showcase of designs against the backdrop of Zanzibar’s magical sunsets.
- Cultural Art Performances – Celebrating the island’s heritage through dance, music, and theatre.
- Cultural Fashion Show – Bringing traditional and contemporary fashion to life.
- Awards Night – Recognizing outstanding talents and contributors to fashion and the arts.
- After Party – A celebration of creativity, networking, and entertainment.
Other featured programs include fashion shows and model casting, short film competitions, business talks, live art performances, and workshops. Venues across Zanzibar such as Livingstone Restaurant, Da Luigi Restaurant, Cape Town Fish Market, and Marumaru Hotel will serve as cultural hotspots for the week.
Special Guests, Designers, and Models
This year’s edition will welcome an impressive lineup of designers, models, and fashion entrepreneurs including:
- Nanah Designs
- Asunta Stylist and Designs
- King Hasira Cultural Designs
- Uzuri Fashion
- Mkomochi Fashion
- Tribal Trend Designs
- Mariam Isack (International Model)
- Nanah Aley (International Model)
- Hammied (International Model)
- Dr. Ida – SOA University, London
- Wolfgang (Model Trainer) and many others who will bring their creativity and expertise to the stage.
Fashion as a Business
The theme for 2025, “Fashion is a Business, Not Entertainment”, reflects ZICAFF’s mission to position fashion and creative industries as powerful tools for economic growth, not just artistic expression. By focusing on business-to-business engagements, cultural interactions, and socio-economic activities, the festival aims to foster entrepreneurship while showcasing Africa’s cultural and artistic diversity.
A Cultural Melting Pot
Zanzibar, long celebrated as a hub of trade, communication, and cultural diversity, provides the perfect backdrop for ZICAFF. The festival attracts thousands of participants annually, including designers, stylists, entrepreneurs, journalists, photographers, government officials, diplomats, private sector leaders, NGOs, and tourists.
Through cultural market exhibitions, live performances, and business dialogues, ZICAFF creates opportunities for African talents to gain global visibility while contributing to the socio-economic development of Zanzibar and Africa at large.
Road to Business and Beyond
Since its inception in 2020, ZICAFF has consistently expanded its reach, building strong Pan-African and international networks. The 2025 edition promises to continue this legacy by offering a platform for collaboration, inspiration, and growth—where fashion, culture, and business converge to tell Africa’s story to the world.
ZICAFF 2025 is more than a festival; it is a movement that celebrates Africa’s creative heartbeat while empowering talents to thrive in the global economy.
