Katende godfrey reimagines fashion with focus on Africa

In the latest Good to Great Podcast, host Tamara Héjja interviews Katende Godfrey, an innovative designer based in Kampala who is reshaping African fashion. As Co-founder and CEO of IGC, he leads events, educational programmes, and the acclaimed IGC Fashion label.

Celebrated for fusing indigenous materials and ancient African styles, Katende has garnered international acclaim at events such as the Guzangs x Marist College African Fashion Exhibit (2024) and the So Creative Summit in Johannesburg (2024). As a mentor, he champions sustainability and cultural preservation in the industry. Katende's Afrofuturist approach, which blends tradition with vision, enables Africa to define itself. His designs tell stories that resonate globally, making African fashion bold and forward-looking.

Katende views African fashion as a reflection of identity. "We don't chase trends—we set our own rhythm," he says. Rejecting outside expectations, he highlights how African designers are building platforms and gaining global traction. This community-rooted approach positions IGC Fashion as a leader in redefining the industry narrative.

Sustainability is central to his work. Katende explains its roots in African culture: "Sustainability isn't new to us. In Uganda, we've always reused and respected materials—it's our way of life." IGC Fashion utilizes locally sourced, natural, and upcycled materials, supporting artisans and minimizing waste. For Katende, sustainability is a cultural inheritance, not a trend.

He sees fashion as storytelling. "Every stitch and symbol carries a story," he says. His designs blend forgotten narratives, local wisdom, and future aspirations, preserving heritage across generations. This transforms garments into a visual language that bridges the gap between time and place. Looking forward, Katende asserts that Africa's poised to lead in fashion: "We're not catching up—we're setting the direction." Through IGC Fashion and Uganda's Fashion Cypher, Katende leads a movement valuing culture, community, and the planet, solidifying African fashion's global impact.

Katende's influence goes beyond design. As a consultant, he guides nonprofits and artists, providing strategy for cultural preservation and sustainable development. His leadership has made IGC a force for positive change, using fashion to inspire hope and opportunity.

Special thanks to our media partner, The Business Standard, for amplifying these vital stories.