A panel discussion at the Kent State University Fashion Symposium 2026 includes (from left to right) Brenda Tatenda Masocha, expert trainer in the Creative Arts Department at Rwanda Polytechnic-Kigali College; Alphonse Kwizera, “Made in Rwanda” business analyst at Rwanda’s Ministry of Trade and Industry; Matthew “Tayo” Rugamba, founder and creative director of House of Tayo; and Cynthia Butare, founder and creative director of IMIGANI. (Photo courtesy of Cornwine for Kent State University)

As Kent State University grows its partnerships in Rwanda, its latest and largest initiative aims to help build Africa’s fashion industry with a Rwanda home base. The proposed Kent State University Rwanda and its School of Fashion will deliver Kent State’s world-class fashion education to rising designers, merchandisers and entrepreneurs on the continent, who can compete with, rather than depend on, imported goods.  A symposium packed with national government leaders, fashion designers, educators and curious members of the Kigali community helped unveil the new Rwanda locat...

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