Casting Call Date: August 29, 2026, in Nairobi, Kenya
Grand Finale Date: November 2, 2026, in Nairobi, Kenya
In a major boost for the continent’s fashion and lifestyle sector, the Government of Kenya has officially endorsed Africa’s Next Super Model 2026 as a strategic platform for cultural diplomacy, destination marketing, and creative economy growth. Founded by veteran Nigerian fashion entrepreneur and model scout Joan Okorodudu, the prestigious continental competition will host its casting calls and grand finale in Nairobi later this year.
Kenyan Government Backing to Drive Fashion Tourism
Conveying the official endorsement through a formal statement, Prof. Julius Bitok, Principal Secretary at the Kenyan Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, emphasized that the government has prioritized the creative industry as a central pillar of economic transformation. Under Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, creative sectors are recognized for their immense capacity to generate youth employment, boost exports, and attract international visitors.
The ministry also extended official recognition to Africa International Fashion Week, highlighting both events as vital catalysts for positioning Kenya as a premier African hub for lifestyle investments, tourism, and cultural exchange.
Nairobi Set to Host Casting Calls and Grand Finale
Excitement is building across East Africa as organizers prepare for the upcoming schedule in Nairobi. Aspiring models across the region can mark their calendars for the official casting call taking place on August 29, 2026, in Nairobi. Selected contestants will then undergo intensive mentorship and preparation leading up to the star-studded grand finale scheduled for November 2, 2026.
Spearheaded by ISIS Models and Africa’s Next Super Model, the initiative has a proven track record of discovering, training, and exporting raw African talent onto international runways across Europe, America, and beyond.
Fostering Continent-Wide Collaboration and Investment
Commenting on the partnership, Prof. Bitok noted that fashion tourism has emerged as a high-value niche market that nicely complements traditional conferencing, cultural excursions, and wildlife safaris. By welcoming international designers, photographers, media executives, and investors, the event creates a vibrant ecosystem of cross-border collaboration.
Ultimately, Africa’s Next Super Model 2026 goes beyond a typical runway show—it serves as an economic bridge connecting creative talent with global opportunities while celebrating Africa’s diverse heritage through fashion.
