The fourth edition of GIFW is scheduled for November 10 to 17, 2026, at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Bijilo. The main runway show will take place on November 15.
The casting will bring together aspiring models, designers, and stylists from across The Gambia. Organisers said participation is strictly reserved for candidates who have completed official registration.
Check-in begins at 12:30 p.m., and the session runs until 6:30 p.m. All registered participants are required to attend dressed entirely in black.
This year’s edition will be held under the theme “Roots to Runway – Luxury Born in Gambia”, with sustainability at the core of the programme.
According to organisers, the programme will focus on three key pillars: recycling and material Reuse as part of efforts to encourage environmental responsibility by promoting the creative use of existing materials and reducing waste in fashion
Made in Gambia is another area that the oranisers wants to use to strengthen local textile production and positioning The Gambia as a destination for international fashion investment, while creating greater opportunities for young people in the fashion industry.
A new feature for the 2026 edition is a competition component. Winning designers will receive study trips to leading fashion universities in Europe and Africa. Organizers say the initiative will expose young designers to international education and professional networks, while building skills to grow the local fashion industry.
Speaking ahead of the casting, Ismaila Jallow, Founder and CEO of GIFW, said the platform was created to give young Gambians real opportunities in fashion.
“GIFW is about giving young Gambians a real stage and a real future in fashion. This casting is the first step toward the runway in November,” Jallow said.
Founded in 2023, GIFW is a non-profit platform that provides designers, stylists, models, and other fashion talents with visibility, training, and career opportunities locally and internationally.
Beyond fashion, the platform positions the creative industry as a viable career path for young people and seeks to provide alternatives to irregular migration to Europe. Through its programmes, GIFW aims to connect emerging Gambian talent with opportunities, professional networks, and international exposure, while promoting locally made fashion and creative enterprise.
With the official casting now scheduled, organisers would begin identifying the talents set to take center stage during the fourth edition of the fashion week in November.
