African fashion is no longer a distant vision-it has arrived with vibrancy and innovation, boldly establishing its influence on the global style stage.
This transformative momentum was prominently displayed at the recent FashionEVO Summit & Show 2025, held at the Africa Creative Market in Lagos. This gathering united trailblazing designers and industry pioneers from across Africa and beyond, celebrating the continent’s surge in creativity, commerce, and community within the worldwide fashion ecosystem.
Guided by the theme, “Creative Bridge: Bridging Creativity, Community, and Commerce in Africa’s Fashion Future,” the summit highlighted its dedication to elevating African fashion as a formidable global contender, while spotlighting the sector’s vast potential to fuel economic advancement and cultural influence.
Insightful panel discussions explored the significance of international collaborations, demonstrating how strategic alliances can amplify designers’ global presence without diluting the authenticity of Africa’s rich cultural heritage.
Prominent figures such as Sandra Alonge, Creative Director of IFFIZI, and Harriet Hala Kahuzu, Founder of FAB L’Style Magazine, offered their insights on the growth and solidarity of Pan-African fashion.
Discussions also emphasized the vital role of education in cultivating emerging designers and the evolution of supply chains in the digital era. Industry leaders including Blessing Azubike from CcHub, Achu Blessing Ebere of 360 Creative Innovation Hub, Sola Babatunde of OSC Group, and Emmy Collins of Emmy Collins London shared valuable perspectives on these transformative trends.
Dr. Yetty Ogunnubi, the visionary Founder and Convener of FashionEVO, expressed, “FashionEVO was conceived as more than just an event; it acts as a vital link connecting creativity with commerce, dreams with opportunities, and Africa with the global community. This year’s summit reaffirms that African fashion is thriving and setting new international standards, driven by innovation, resilience, and a strong cultural identity.”
Supporting this vision, Dr. Inya Lawal, Convener of Africa Creative Market, remarked, “FashionEVO 2025 focused on fostering impactful connections between creative talents and commercial platforms, linking local artisans to global markets, and uniting today’s industry leaders with tomorrow’s innovators.”
In her keynote speech, Queen Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi of Adire Oodua Textile Hub and African Fashion Week London & Nigeria highlighted the harmonious blend of ancestral craftsmanship with modern technological innovation, showcasing how tradition and progress coexist within Africa’s fashion story.
The summit culminated with the prestigious FashionEVO Awards ceremony, honoring trailblazers whose visionary efforts continue to elevate Africa’s creative industries. Among the recipients were Toke Benson, who received the Creative Economy Catalyst Award; Olori Aderonke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, awarded the Queen Vanguard Award; and Mrs. Femi Olayebi, honored with the Ecosystem Builder Award, alongside other distinguished contributors.