Takeout Media and What Network to fashion African version of Project Runway

L-R: Elijah Affi, Anahita Kheder and Chichi Nwoko

An African version of fashion competition format Project Runway is in the works following a deal between Fremantle and producers Takeout Media and What Network.

Project Runway Africa will see African designers aged between 21 and 40 share their unique heritage and creativity in weekly challenges.

Takeout Media and What Network licensed the format from Fremantle via their special-purpose vehicle Take Two Media.

Spyglass Media Group owns the format, which originated on US cablenet Bravo in 2004. Fremantle handles format and tape licensing outside of the US.

The African version will launch in 2025 on an as-yet-undisclosed international platform. The location for the inaugural season is also being kept under wraps.

“Africa’s fashion industry is one of the fastest growing in the world, fuelled by a dynamic, young audience and rich cultural influences,” said co-executive producer Chichi Nwoko.

“With Project Runway Africa, we’re creating a platform that celebrates the continent’s boundless creativity, empowering designers to bring their visions to life and share their unique voices with viewers across Africa and beyond.”

Co-executive producer Elijah Affi added: “Project Runway Africa isn’t just a competition, it’s a celebration of our continent’s extraordinary design heritage and its bold future.”

“We’re creating a platform to showcase how African designers reimagine global fashion through their unique perspectives and cultural richness. This is more than television; it’s about amplifying African voices in the global fashion conversation and creating pathways for our talented designers to reach new heights.”

Anahita Kheder, executive VP of EMEA, formats and licensing and international at Fremantle, said: “Project Runway is known globally for launching careers, and this new chapter in Africa will open doors for designers to make their mark.”