Kumizi, a Rwandan fashion collection deeply rooted in identity, heritage and traditional craftsmanship, has earned continental recognition after winning a prestigious accolade at the 2026 Africa International Design Awards (AIDA).

The award-winning project, titled Kumizi – Back To My Root Collection, was created by local fashion house Kezem under the creative direction of renowned Rwandan designer Emmanuel Keza Niyonsenga.

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The collection won the award in the Fashion Design – Prêt-à-Porter category, beating entries from across Africa and other parts of the world in one of the continent’s most competitive design platforms.

According to organisers, this year’s edition attracted submissions from 40 countries, including 24 African nations and 16 countries from other continents.

The word "Kumizi,” derived from Kinyarwanda, loosely translates to "roots,” a concept that lies at the heart of the collection’s artistic vision. Through the project, Kezem explores themes of identity, belonging, ancestry and cultural heritage while reimagining traditional African aesthetics through a modern fashion lens.

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The collection draws inspiration from traditional Rwandan and African garments, incorporating ceremonial fringes, beadwork, textile printing and carpet-weaving techniques into contemporary ready-to-wear pieces for both men and women.

Rather than simply reproducing traditional attire, the designers sought to reinterpret ancestral craftsmanship into modern silhouettes capable of resonating with today’s global fashion audience while preserving a strong cultural narrative.

One of the collection’s standout elements is its handmade textile surfaces, created by assembling small fabric fringes and weaving them into layered structures inspired by indigenous craft traditions. The garments also feature detailed embroidery and root-inspired motifs symbolising the connection between people and their origins.

Niyonsenga described the award as a major milestone not only for Kezem, but also for Rwanda’s growing fashion industry.

"I received it as a huge victory for Kezem because it gave me confidence that what we create has value and can compete at an international level,” he told The New Times.

The continental fashion competition featured some of Africa’s leading fashion houses as well as projects from outside the continent that focus on African identity, culture and storytelling.

"We were competing against major fashion brands from Africa and beyond. The awards are not only focused on African projects, but also projects connected to Africa or those creating impact within African communities, especially around culture and identity,” he explained.

For Niyonsenga, the recognition demonstrates the power of authentic storytelling in fashion and the importance of preserving African heritage through creative expression.

"For me, it showed that when someone creates work with identity and a meaningful story behind it, it can go far,” he added.

He further emphasized that the award has inspired the Kezem team to continue creating fashion that carries cultural depth and social meaning beyond aesthetics and commercial appeal.

"It is not only a victory for Kezem, but also a source of pride for Rwanda because it gives us another opportunity to show the world what the country is capable of achieving through fashion,” he said.

Released in 2025, the Kumizi – Back To My Root Collection was heavily inspired by Rwandan history, culture and traditional artistry. According to the designer, the project was intentionally developed to celebrate African identity while encouraging younger generations to reconnect with their roots.

"It is fashion with meaning. We are not simply making clothes, but telling stories about Rwandan and African culture, heritage and identity through fashion,” Niyonsenga added.

Founded to celebrate African creativity and innovation, the Africa International Design Awards recognise excellence across several disciplines including fashion, architecture, interior design and product design. The awards have increasingly become a platform showcasing African talent and cultural innovation on the global stage.

This year’s winners are expected to officially receive their awards during a ceremony scheduled to take place in Benin in July.