Roberta Annan, Founder of the African Fashion Foundation. PHOTO ; Courtesy
Fifteen fashion designers from across Africa have been selected for the African Fashion Futures Incubator (AFFI-II’25), a new chapter in the African Fashion Foundation’s (AFF) ongoing effort to build a more sustainable and globally recognized creative economy.
The programme, officially launched under the theme “Advancing Africa’s Creative Economy,” equips designers with the business tools, mentorship, and international exposure needed to scale their enterprises.
It offers financial, advisory, marketing, and logistical support while fostering cultural exchange and collaboration across the continent.
Designers in this year’s cohort will showcase their collections at ASOHOM and The Industry Retreat in October, LA Fashion Week, Ivory Coast in December, and London Fashion Week in February 2026, in partnership with Medusa Fashion House.
Empowering Creative Enterprises
The incubator is delivered through the Impact Fund for African Creatives (IFFAC), supp
orted by Annan Capital Partners (ACP), and strengthened by strategic partnerships such as the Digital Fashion Academy (DFA), which provides specialized education in digital and e-commerce tools for the fashion sector.
Roberta Annan, Founder of AFF, explained that the incubator is “shaping resilient enterprises that can drive long-term value for Africa’s creative economy,” positioning AFF as a convener of ecosystem players and a promoter of collaboration between African and global stakeholders.
This year’s cohort features 15 designers from across the continent, including;
African Yuva (Kenya), Afrowema (Kenya), Bloombyedzi (Ghana), Complex Department (Ghana), February by Serwaa (Ghana), Izubaa (Rwanda), Izulu (Kenya), Kezem (Rwanda), Kondo (Togo), Lines by Chaab (Nigeria), Maison Inkindi (Rwanda), Matheo (Rwanda), Native1018 (Rwanda), Quinstree (Sierra Leone), and Victoria Grace (Benin).
Education, Innovation, and Global Reach
Highlighting the role of technology in shaping the sector, Enrico Fantaguzzi, CEO and Founder of the Digital Fashion Academy, said, “Through education and digital innovation, our partnership with AFFI empowers young entrepreneurs to shape Africa’s fashion future and connect with global best practices.”
Collaboration with Medusa Fashion House will further expand exposure for African designers.
Sonal Jindal, Founder of Medusa Fashion House, noted, “Our partnership with the African Fashion Foundation at London Fashion Week 2026 celebrates diversity and creativity, showcasing African talent on a global stage where heritage meets innovation.”
Celebrating Creativity and Sustainability
Photography, storytelling, and sustainability remain central to AFF’s approach.
“It has been my pleasure to photograph the amazingly creative group of designers that AFF supports from across Africa. Their diverse and innovative designs are a testament to the creativity that Africa brings to the global fashion industry,” said Robert Owen-Jones.
Malaika Uwamahoro added, “The African Fashion Foundation is creating powerful platforms that showcase Africa’s rich creative traditions to the world, fostering collaboration across the arts and advancing the continent’s creative ecosystem.”
At the policy and sustainability level, Tolu Kweku Lacroix, Executive Director of the UN Global Compact Network Ghana, stressed fashion’s role in driving responsible growth:
“African fashion is a vehicle for sustainability and impact, creating jobs, protecting the environment, and shaping a global industry rooted in responsibility and culture. At the UN Global Compact Network Ghana, we believe advancing sustainability in African fashion means advancing jobs, protecting our environment, and shaping a global industry that reflects our values.”
Advancing Africa’s Creative Future
Launched at the #ACEL2025 forum in Kigali, AFFI-II’25 reflects AFF’s expanding role in spotlighting African talent and fostering collaboration, investment, and cultural dialogue within the continent’s creative economy.
Through sustained partnerships and international visibility, the African Fashion Foundation continues to amplify Africa’s creative voice proving that the continent’s fashion future is both innovative and globally resonant.
About the African Fashion Foundation (AFF)
The African Fashion Foundation (AFF) is a Ghana-based non-profit organization dedicated to empowering fashion and creative professionals across Africa.
Through capacity building, funding, mentorship, and international partnerships, AFF supports designers and entrepreneurs to develop sustainable businesses and access global markets.
Founded by Roberta Annan, the Foundation works to strengthen Africa’s creative economy by promoting innovation, cultural exchange, and industry collaboration.
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