Rachel Bashabe, the celebrated Ugandan-born fashion powerhouse and founder of the London-based label Veryldesigns, has been named the first-ever African Fashion Entrepreneur in Residence for a prestigious UK-Rwanda creative exchange programme. The initiative, a brainchild of the University of Westminster in collaboration with the UK-funded SheTrades Commonwealth+ Programme, aims to bridge the gap between East African craftsmanship and the global fashion market. Bashabe’s appointment marks a significant milestone for African fashion, positioning her as a central figure in a project designed to elevate eight emerging Rwandan designers to the international stage.
The Rwanda Fashion Entrepreneurs Programme, delivered alongside the British High Commission in Kigali and the British Council, is currently in its second phase. As the Entrepreneur in Residence, Bashabe will provide critical technical delivery and mentorship. Alongside Westminster lecturer Denise-Francis Brown, Bashabe is set to visit Kigali to immerse herself in the local sector. This hands-on approach is designed to prepare the selected Rwandan entrepreneurs for a high-stakes summer showcase at the University of Westminster in London, where they will pitch to buyers, investors, and industry experts.
“The programme is designed to strengthen people-to-people links in the creative economy,” a statement from the partners read. “Rachel Bashabe’s role is pivotal in ensuring these entrepreneurs gain the insights necessary to scale their businesses globally.”
Who is Rachel Bashabe?
For those following the trajectory of East African talent in the diaspora, Bashabe is a household name. Born in Uganda and later moving to the United Kingdom, she has become a symbol of the “African Dream” in the competitive London fashion circuit. She founded Veryldesigns in 2020, a brand that quickly gained a reputation for its bold use of African prints (Ankara) blended with contemporary European silhouettes. Her work is often described as a celebration of heritage, aimed at the modern, cosmopolitan woman who isn’t afraid to wear her culture on her sleeve.
Beyond the runway, Bashabe has been a vocal advocate for ethical fashion and the empowerment of African women. Her brand has previously been seen at major platforms such as London Fashion Week, and she has dressed a litany of high-profile clients, further cementing her status as a cultural ambassador.
Strengthening Regional Ties
The programme she now leads was officially launched during the King’s Birthday Party in Kigali last year, where designers were commissioned to dress the British High Commissioner to Rwanda, H.E. Alison Thorpe—herself an alumna of the University of Westminster. Through the SheTrades Commonwealth+ collaboration, Bashabe will lead a series of online “conversations” and residency sessions at the British High Commissioner’s residence in Kigali. These sessions will focus on business scalability, branding, and navigating the complexities of the UK fashion market.
The Impact
Industry analysts in Kampala and Kigali view Bashabe’s involvement as a win for the region. By having a Ugandan-born entrepreneur at the helm of a Rwandan-focused project, the initiative highlights the growing synergy within the East African Community’s (EAC) creative arts sector.
As the eight Rwandan designers prepare for their London debut this summer, all eyes will be on Bashabe. Her journey from a young dreamer in Uganda to the “Entrepreneur in Residence” at one of the UK’s leading fashion institutions serves as a blueprint for the next generation of African creatives. For Bashabe, this isn’t just about fashion; it’s about trade, representation, and ensuring that African stories are told through the medium of cloth and thread on the world’s biggest stages.
