The jury of Africa Fashion Up unveiled the six finalists of its 2025 edition. As it celebrates its fifth anniversary, the first major Parisian initiative dedicated to African fashion enjoys a record-breaking edition with 300 applications, compared to nearly 200 last year. This success confirms the program’s reputation as a major platform for rising African fashion talents.
Since its inception in 2021, Africa Fashion Up has supported designers from across the African continent and its diaspora, reflecting the creative energy of a rapidly growing industry. Valued at $31 billion in 2020, the African fashion market continues to expand. According to UNESCO, the continent’s fashion exports are estimated at $15.5 billion per year, and could triple within the next decade if creators benefit from a structured ecosystem and proper support.
That is precisely Africa Fashion Up’s mission: to discover, support and propel a new generation of African designers onto the international stage. Among the program’s long-standing partners: Balenciaga, Galeries Lafayette, Guerlain, Istituto Marangoni, Orange, HEC Paris, France Médias Monde, Trace, ELLE Côte d’Ivoire, and Brune Magazine.
The six finalists of the 2025 edition:
- BANKE KUKU (BANKE KUKU – Nigeria) Born in Lagos, Banke Kulu studied textiles in the United Kingdom, before gaining experience at leading international fashion houses. She built her brand on bold, luxurious loungewear combining British tailoring with Nigerian-inspired prints. Her collections are sold in Lagos and online.
- DIBO, SUME & FESE (ELOLI WORLD – Cameroon) Founded by three sisters, Eloli World celebrates African heritage through rich textures, vibrant colors, and refined details—bringing bold elegance to the forefront of contemporary fashion.
- FRANK AGHUNO (Fruché – Nigeria) A self-taught designer, Frank Aghuno fuses traditional textiles, contemporary design, and personal storytelling. Each bold piece is a tribute to heritage, pride, and self-expression.
- HAWI MIDEKSSA (HAWII – Ethiopia) With a presence in Paris and New York, HAWII blends Ethiopian heritage with global fashion codes. Each garment tells a story, celebrating individuality and resilience. The brand also plans to launch a fashion school in Ethiopia to encourage the emergence of new talent.
- OSHOBOR ODION (OSHOBOR – Nigeria) With a flair for eccentricity and bold colors, Oshobor draws from emotional and cultural sources, particularly the Edo region. Committed to slow fashion, his designs highlight sustainability and deep-rooted storytelling.
- SAMKELO XABA (BOYDE – South Africa) Influenced by geometric minimalism and industrial architecture, Samkelo Xaba creates clean, high-end garments under the BOYDE label. Functionality, comfort, and sustainable craftsmanship are at the core of his aesthetic.
At the end of June, the six designers will travel to Paris for a week-long professional immersion, including masterclasses, visits to major couture houses, as well as a management and international business training module provided by HEC Paris. This also marks the beginning of a four-month mentorship program led by HEC. At the same time, luxury brand Balenciaga will offer a mentoring track, featuring dedicated awareness sessions for deeper strategic development.
The highlight of the program will take place on June 26, with a fashion show at The Bridge, an iconic venue located beneath the Pont Alexandre III. Blending fashion, art, and music, the evening will welcome leading figures from the cultural, artistic, and institutional spheres. It will conclude with the announcement of the Africa Fashion Up 2025 Designer of the Year, followed by a gala dinner.
“African fashion is not just a cultural trend — it is a driver of growth, employment, and pride. For five years now, Africa Fashion Up has revealed exceptional talents and helped them gain global visibility,” said Valérie Ka, founder of Africa Fashion Up. “Bringing their work to Paris, a global fashion capital, affirms the continent’s creative power and paves the way for its designers to lead the global industry.”
Vincent Sénécat, Director of Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann, added: “We are proud to continue supporting Africa Fashion Up and its mission to foster the most promising African designers. As a platform for talent, AFUP enables these designers to express the richness of their cultural heritage while bridging tradition and modernity—values deeply shared by Galeries Lafayette.”
About Africa Fashion Up
Initiated by Valérie Ka, Africa Fashion Up is a program that supports and mentors young African designers. It is also the first major Paris-based event entirely dedicated to contemporary African fashion, aiming to promote and strengthen the visibility of this emerging scene.
About Share Africa
SHARE AFRICA is a platform dedicated to promoting entrepreneurship and creativity in Africa, highlighting a young, innovative, and sustainable vision of the continent.
More information: https://www.africafashionup.com
##
