The African Fashion Foundation (AFF) is proud to announce the second cohort of its African Fashion Futures Incubator (AFFI-II’25).
Guided by AFF’s mission to nurture and advance Africa’s creative ecosystem, AFFI-II’25 offers comprehensive support — financial, advisory, marketing, and logistical — to both emerging and established fashion designers. By doing so, the initiative contributes to the continent’s cultural and economic growth. The incubator fosters peer learning and cultural exchange, sharpens participants’ business acumen, and supports the building and scaling of sustainable creative enterprises.
As part of the programme, participating designers will have the opportunity to present their collections at prestigious global showcases: ASOHOM and The Industry Retreat in October, LA Fashion Week, Ivory Coast in December, and London Fashion Week in February in partnership with Medusa Fashion House. These platforms not only elevate African creativity but also help cultivate new audiences, unlock market opportunities, and attract investor interest.
AFFI-II’25 is delivered by the Impact Fund for African Creatives (IFFAC), backed by the Annan Capital Partners (ACP) Group, a member of the United Nations Global Compact and World Economic Forum’s New Champion. IFFAC is an impact fund dedicated to strengthening and growing creative and cultural industries across Africa and its diaspora. Leveraging its global networks, IFFAC supports and elevates creative growth.
AFFI-II’25 also benefits from key strategic partnerships, including with the Digital Fashion Academy (DFA), a global online learning platform for fashion and luxury professionals specializing in digital and e-commerce education.
Meet the AFFI-II’25 Cohort
This year’s incubator brings together 15 visionary brands from across the continent:
Special Creative Collaborations
Adding to the celebration of creativity and culture:
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Renowned Rwandan performing artist Malaika Uwamahoro will make a special appearance and debut the official AFFI-II’25 theme song.
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Acclaimed Australian photographer Robert Owen-Jones will capture striking images of the designers and their work.
Key Voices
Roberta Annan, Founder, African Fashion Foundation
“The African Fashion Futures Incubator is shaping resilient enterprises that can drive long-term value for Africa’s creative economy. At AFF, we act as a convener of ecosystem players, promoting collaboration amongst African and non-African creative stakeholders. Through AFFI-II’25, we are strengthening pathways for African creatives to thrive, while empowering local communities and inspiring diversity in the global creative economy.”
Enrico Fantaguzzi, CEO & Founder, Digital Fashion Academy
“We believe in the transformative power of education and digital innovation. Our partnership with AFFI goes beyond fashion — it’s about empowering young entrepreneurs to shape the future of Africa’s fashion industry and connecting them with best practices from leading managers at global brands.”
Sonal Jindal, Founder, Medusa Fashion House
“We are delighted to partner with AFF to present 15 outstanding African brands at London Fashion Week in February 2026. This collaboration celebrates cultural diversity, creativity, and craftsmanship, bridging continents and creating global opportunities for emerging and established designers alike.”
Robert Owen-Jones, Photographer
“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.”
Malaika Uwamahoro, Artist
“AFF is not only championing fashion but also embracing the full spectrum of art. By fostering collaboration among designers, poets, music producers, cinematographers, and editors, it is building powerful platforms for African stories to be shared with the world.”
Tolu Kweku Lacroix, Executive Director, UN Global Compact Network Ghana
“African fashion is more than creativity — it is a powerful vehicle for sustainability and impact. By promoting ethical sourcing, circular production, and innovation rooted in our culture, we show that fashion from Africa, and particularly Ghana, is not only beautiful but also responsible.”
AFFI-II’25 and the #ACEL2025 Forum
As a partner of the #ACEL2025 forum in Kigali, AFF launched AFFI-II’25, spotlighting Africa’s rising design talents while offering opportunities for collaboration, investment, and cultural dialogue within the continent’s broader creative economy.
🔗 Find out more: africanfashionfoundation.org
Source: ameyawdebrah.com/
