African fashion has long been a vibrant and dynamic industry, showcasing the continent’s rich cultural heritage and creative flair. From traditional textiles and prints to modern designs and styles, African fashion has evolved significantly over the years, with many designers gaining international recognition and acclaim.
However, despite its growth and potential, the African fashion industry still faces challenges such as limited access to resources, training, and markets, which can hinder its development and global reach.
FashionEVO, a leading platform for African fashion, is set to change the narrative with its new partnership with Fashion Connect Africa (FCA). This collaboration aims to empower youth, promote sustainable fashion development, and foster cross-border creative exchange in West Africa.
By bringing together emerging and established designers, industry professionals, and stakeholders, FashionEVO Summit & Show at Africa Creative Market 2025 will provide a platform for education, visibility, and sustainable business practices. The event will feature a curated designer runway show, masterclasses, industry panels, and other activities that will help shape the future of African fashion.
The partnership between FashionEVO and FCA is a significant milestone in the development of the African fashion industry. With its focus on collaboration, access, and visibility, this partnership has the potential to transform the industry by providing opportunities for emerging designers, promoting sustainable fashion practices, and showcasing African fashion to a global audience.
Through its ‘Seed to Stage’ initiative, FCA will identify, train, and support emerging fashion talents from underserved communities, providing them with the necessary resources to thrive. By working together, FashionEVO and FCA can help to reshape the African fashion narrative and take the industry to new heights.
FashionEVO Summit & Show is set to take place on September 18, 2025, during the fourth edition of Africa Creative Market (ACM) at Landmark Event Centre in Lagos, Nigeria.
This collaboration was formally introduced at a press reception held at the Polo Club in Accra, Ghana, marking a significant milestone in enhancing creative and economic ties between Ghana and Nigeria through the fashion industry.
The event featured the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Yetty Ogunnubi, Founder and CEO of FashionEVO, and Victoria Michaels, Founder and CEO of Fashion Connect Africa. This agreement reflects a mutual commitment to youth empowerment, sustainable fashion development, and cross-border creative exchange in West Africa.
Ogunnubi articulated the long-term vision of this partnership, stating, “We are not merely collaborating for a single event; we are laying the groundwork for an enduring ecosystem of opportunity. FashionEVO Summit & Show at ACM will not only celebrate African fashion but will also serve as a platform for education, visibility, and sustainable business practices.” Victoria Michaels added, “This partnership is driven by purpose. Together, we are creating access points for untapped talent in both countries, focusing on empowerment, legacy, and the reshaping of the African fashion narrative.”
A highlight of the press launch was the introduction of FCA’s ‘Seed to Stage’ initiative, a groundbreaking talent development program aimed at identifying, training, and supporting emerging fashion talents from underserved communities.
The program’s inaugural beneficiary, Lydia Okine, was recognised for receiving a six-month fashion training scholarship, two digital sewing machines, one year of rent support for her creative workspace, and an opportunity to showcase her work at the GUBA Trade and Investment Forum in Barbados.
“Lydia’s journey exemplifies the brilliance that can be found in unexpected places,” said Victoria Michaels. “The Seed to Stage initiative aims to redirect the fashion industry’s focus toward overlooked talent, providing them with the necessary resources to thrive.”
As part of this new partnership, FCA will present a dedicated ‘Seed to Stage’ segment during FashionEVO Summit & Show, featuring five emerging designers—two from Ghana and three from Nigeria—selected through ongoing community engagement initiatives. Each designer will debut a mini capsule collection inspired by street style, sustainability, and cultural storytelling, with post-show networking and mentorship opportunities planned.
The launch event, hosted by renowned Ghanaian MC and media personality Kabutey Ocansey, showcased both emerging and established designers, creating an atmosphere filled with energy and excitement.
The distinguished audience included notable figures from the diplomatic, creative, and corporate sectors, such as Juliette Bynoe-Sutherland, Barbados High Commissioner to Ghana; Kenneth Kwamina Thompson, Board Chairman of the Agricultural Development Bank; Uzoechina Molokwu, CEO/MD of UBA Ghana; Kofi Okyere Darko, Presidential Adviser on Diaspora Affairs; Catherine Ekar, Head of Private Banking and Wealth Management at FirstBank Ghana; Jane Okyere Aduachie, Acting Executive Secretary of American Chamber of Commerce in Ghana; Ivy Prosper – Media Personality and Producer; Dominique Paravicini- Entrepreneur and Editor Enjoy Accra Magazine and several other high-profile guests.
FashionEVO Summit & Show at Africa Creative Market 2025 will feature a curated designer runway show, masterclasses, industry panels, a pop-up retail boutique, a fashion installation, a student fashion competition, and an awards ceremony recognising key contributors to African fashion. The partnership between FCA and FashionEVO highlights a shared commitment to transforming the African fashion landscape through collaboration, access, and visibility.
