UoN Hosts China-Africa Cultural Exchange Mid-Autumn Fashion Show
The University of Nairobi, through its Confucius Institute, hosted a vibrant China-Africa Cultural Exchange Mid-Autumn Fashion Show on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, bringing together Chinese and African fashion, music and dance in a celebration of cultural diversity and people-to-people connections.
Dubbed “Moonlit Glamour – Threads of Connection,” the event provided a platform for students, members of the Chinese community in Kenya, designers and cultural enthusiasts to showcase and experience the rich cultural heritage of China and Africa through fashion and the performing arts.
The fashion show formed part of the activities marking the 2026 Year of China-Africa People-to-People Exchanges and celebrations of the Mid-Autumn Festival, one of the most significant traditional festivals in Chinese culture.
The runway featured a colourful blend of traditional and contemporary Chinese and African designs. Chinese fashion showcased included the elegant mamianqun, traditional attire from Inner Mongolia and contemporary Chinese-inspired designs, while Kenyan and other African designs featured prominently, including vibrant Kitenge outfits.
Some of the designs creatively combined Chinese and African elements, demonstrating how fashion can provide a platform for cultural interaction and shared creative expression.
The University of Nairobi was also represented on the runway, with designs developed under the supervision of Dr Charles Ouma, showcasing the University's contribution to the cultural exchange.
Speaking during the event, the Director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Nairobi, Prof. Wang Shangxue, highlighted the cultural significance of the Mid-Autumn Festival, traditionally associated with the harvest and the full moon.
“The celebrations provide an opportunity to bring Chinese traditions into contact with Kenyan culture while creating avenues for greater understanding and interaction between the two communities,” noted Prof Wang.
The fashion presentations were complemented by cultural performances, including East African talking drums and African dances, adding a distinctly African dimension to the celebrations.
The event brought together University officials, students and representatives of the Chinese community in Kenya. Among those in attendance were Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Finance, Planning and Development), Prof. Josiah Aduda; former Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Stephen Kiama; and Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Prof. Jack Odhiambo. Representatives of the Jiangsu Chamber of Commerce, Kenya-China Women Association and Hunan TV International also attended the event.
In addition to the fashion and performances, participants had an opportunity to view Chinese language and educational materials, including textbooks and publications from Xiamen International Book Company.
The event underscored the role of cultural exchange in strengthening people-to-people connections between Kenya and China. By bringing together students, academics, designers and members of the Chinese community, the fashion show created an interactive platform for participants to share their cultural traditions while learning from one another.
For University students, the event offered an opportunity to engage with Chinese culture while showcasing Kenya's diverse cultural identity. For members of the Chinese community, it provided a platform to share aspects of China's traditional and contemporary culture with a Kenyan audience.
Through initiatives such as the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations, the Confucius Institute at the University of Nairobi continues to promote Chinese language and culture while facilitating greater intercultural engagement within the University and beyond.
The fashion show demonstrated how creative expression, particularly through fashion, music and dance, can provide a common platform for cultural dialogue and contribute to stronger China-Africa people-to-people relations.
