Partnership brief · Updated November 1, 2026
Runway Africa: Washington DC pilot
Proposition
Runway Africa connects African designers with customers and retail buyers through curated shopping experiences and ongoing commercial support. We are recruiting collaborators for a proposed first pilot in Washington DC.
Pilot format and status
Proposed format: potential private buyer appointments, public shopping, a concise fashion presentation and a defined follow-up period.
Status: in development. Date, venue and participating designers are to be announced when confirmed. No tickets are on sale.
Audience hypothesis
People shopping for contemporary African design, gifts, accessories and occasionwear; and, separately, boutiques, stylists and retail buyers. These are planning assumptions, not measured audiences.
Indicative sponsor options
Indicative starting points for discussion. Not a published rate card; every package is tailored.
| Option | Indicative | Scope to negotiate |
|---|---|---|
| Presenting sponsor | From $6,000 | Presenting designation; agreed logo placement; one activation; 6 guest invitations; delivery report |
| Supporting sponsor | From $3,000 | Supporting designation; agreed logo placement; shared activation space; 4 invitations; delivery report |
| Focused activation | From $1,500 | One scoped element such as styling, content or customer discovery; associated recognition; 2 invitations |
| In-kind partner | By scope | Documented goods or services against an actual budget need; proportionate recognition. Not cash sponsorship. |
Rights take effect only under a signed agreement. No guaranteed reach, impressions, press coverage or buyer orders. A delivery report is provided within 15 business days after the event.
Partner roles
- — Venue or hospitality: space, access and facilities.
- — Fashion operations: buying, merchandising, styling or production.
- — Trade or cultural institutions: designer referrals or funded participation.
- — Logistics or payments: shipping, handling or checkout.
- — Media or community: relevant audience distribution.
- — Retail buyers: product feedback and qualified appointments.
Designers
No application fee. Any participation fee and commission are agreed in writing before a designer commits. Applications do not guarantee acceptance, travel support, buyer meetings or sales.
Contact and next steps
Founder: Elias Mageto. To discuss this brief, use the inquiry form on the partners or sponsors page. We review every inquiry personally and reply if there is a suitable next step.