🌍 Bathu acquires Boys of Soweto, HEVA fund unlocks $5M for Creatives

Hi {{first_name|Operator}},

Running on fumes and a handful of brain cells this week, so no opining today, but if you would be so kind as to do the talking, tell me: How was your first quarter of 2025?

We all seem to have started the year on a high speed setting; I definitely expected a gentler pace by now but it hasn’t come, so its taking a lot of intention to choose rest. I encourage you to do the same — you know me, always on a soapbox about burnout — and do it unapologetically.

In lieu of perspective on the headlines, here are a couple of events you might be interested in that I also happen to be speaking at, plus a conversation with dillion s. phiri on the creativity knows no borders podcast:

(Online this Sunday) The World Hope Forum: Hear from creative directors, photographers, artists and designers on the future of creativity in the Global South.
(In-person, JHB, next Saturday) Conversations on Creativity: Exploring The Impact of Climate Change on Human Health through the lens of five talented African filmmakers (waitlist only, sorry, this one filled up fast)

Modupe Oloruntoba

Creativity Knows No Borders · Episode

With thanks,
Modupe Oloruntoba

Across Africa

Africa’s creative economy seeks more investors

Africa’s creative economy may be small by global standards, but it is thriving, prompting renewed efforts to draw investment.

HEVA Unveils Financial Solutions Targeting Creatives

The local creative and cultural industries sector has received a shot in the arm following the official launch of a first of its kind $5 million investment by HEVA Fund, to provide tailored financial solutions to creatives.

Bathu 2025 Conference Reveals Expansion With Five Brands

At the Bathu Annual Conference 2025 in Sun City, founder Theo Baloyi shared his ambitious plans for the future, including brand acquisitions that add 5 subsidiaries to the group.

WATCH — Google’s Hustle Academy talked to Adenike Ogunlesi about running a multi branch Nigerian and international online children’s clothing business.

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Career Opportunities

FASHION EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

The Fashion Education Scholarship Program is a means of promoting the growth and development of the Ghanaian creative space by providing support as well as internship opportunities, mentorship, networking, and career development opportunities for young, talented, and aspiring fashion creatives.

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Elsewhere

It’s Demna at Gucci! Fashion’s master maverick will helm Italy’s largest luxury house

Balenciaga’s creative director since 2015, Demna was today announced as the new creative lead at Gucci.

Boohoo Group gets new name and business model as Debenhams success sweeps all before it

Boohoo Group will now be known as Debenhams Group as the success of its e-department store continues and as it adopts a marketplace model company-wide.

Why fashion should think carefully about using generative AI

Generative AI could help fashion companies streamline their supply chains and save emissions, but the technology is energy intensive. Experts warn against jumping on the bandwagon.

Donatella Versace steps down as creative director of namesake fashion house

Italian designer hands over to Dario Vitale after nearly 30 years as group nears sale

Why a major shift to US clothing production is unlikely

President Donald Trump's Made in America push is prompting some U.S. clothing retailers to expand domestic production of everything from T-shirts to coats and suits, several executives told Reuters this week.