Top 100 women in African fashion 2026

Africa’s fashion industry is in the midst of a remarkable ascent, with women emerging as some of the most influential architects of its transformation. As the global community marks the achievements of women each March, it is fitting to recognise the trailblazing figures whose vision, creativity, and leadership continue to redefine the contours of the continent’s fashion landscape. In honour of this impact, the Fashion Law Institute has curated a distinguished list celebrating the Top 100 Women in African Fashion.

Following the success of its inaugural edition, the Fashion Law Institute presents the third edition of the Top 100 Women in African Fashion, released in celebration of International Women’s Day 2026. The list pays tribute to visionary women whose work is reshaping the industry – driving innovation, influencing culture, and leaving an enduring imprint on Africa’s rapidly evolving fashion ecosystem.

Building on the momentum sustained last year, the 2026 edition expands the scope of recognition across the breadth of the industry. While traditional honours often centre primarily on designers or commercial success, this list reflects the full architecture of the fashion value chain. It recognises exceptional women working across diverse sectors including fashion business, media, modelling, styling, education and academia, accessories, advocacy, fashion law, manufacturing, textiles and apparel, technology, creative communities and hubs, finance, non-profit associations, social impact, and sustainability.

More than a catalogue of achievements, the initiative serves as a powerful acknowledgement of the women shaping the present and future of African fashion. Each honouree represents a distinct blend of excellence, resilience, and influence – collectively ensuring that African fashion continues to command a stronger voice in global cultural and commercial conversations.

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What follows is a curated roll call of these trailblazers.

1. Anne Ngann Yonn — Founder, KREYANN

2. Michelle Ngonmo — Founder, Afro Fashion Association

3. Thérèse Ngann — Fashion Industry Pioneer

4. Felicity Serwaa Akankona — Creative Director, February by Serwaa (Ghana)

5. Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu — Founder, SoleRebels (Ethiopia)

6. Phyllis Ampumuza — Founder, Mashach Jewelry (Uganda)

7. Aisha Ayensu — Founder, Christie Brown (Ghana)

8. Ijeoma Balogun — Founder, Redrick PR

9. Teresia Wairimu Njuguna — Chairperson, Mitumba Consortium Association of Kenya (MCAK)

10. Kate Mayey — CEO, African Fabric and Designs (Kenya)

11. Sidkot Folami — Founder & CEO, Mateen Lander Limited

12. Rina Folawiyo — Founder, Alára (Nigeria)

13. Veronica Nyakianda Gakio — Founder & CEO, Ankole Luxury

14. Dumebi Malogo — Managing Director, Ashluxe

15. Maryse Mbonyumutwa — Founder & CEO, Pink Mango (Rwanda)

16. Rene Moshi McDonald — Founder & Creative Director, Lisou London (UK/Africa)

17. Dolapo Morgan — Founder, Refaini

18. Longo Mulaisho-Zinsner — Founder & President, Jewellery and Gemstone Association of Africa

19. Wandia Gichuru — Co-founder & CEO, Vivo Fashion Group

20. Meiki Ngcengeni — CEO, Isabella Design Jewellers & Refiners (South Africa)

21. Jennifer Obayuwana — Executive Director, Polo Luxury Group (Nigeria)

22. Monalisa Okojie — Founder & CEO, Nehita (Nigeria/USA)

23. Juliet Olanipekun — Founder & Creative Director, LFJ Official

24. Abiola Olusola — Founder, Abiola Olusola

25. Eva Omaghomi — Founder, Brand63Africa

26. Kanyinsola Imade Onalaja — Creative Director, Onalaja (Nigeria)

27. Hadeel Osman — Founder, Davu Studio

28. Neheng Phakoana — Founder, Maseru Luxury Brand (Lesotho)

29. Hayet Rida — Founder, Khoi

30. Lulu Shabell — CEO & Chief Creativity Champion, Lulubell Group

31. Thelma West — Founder, Thelma West Diamonds

Models, Talent Developers & Creative Influencers

32. Ese Amromawhe — Model & Creative Director (Nigeria)

33. Tansey Coetzee — Commercial Model; Miss South Africa 2007

34. Iwu Kasarachi — Model (Nigeria)

35. Flaviana Matata — Model (Tanzania)

36. Poelano Mothisi — Miss World Lesotho; Fashion Skills Advocate

37. Ajuma Nasenyana — Model; Founder, City Models Africa & Ajuma Foundation (Kenya)

38. Yetunde Odimayo — Founder, Organisation for Models in Nigeria

Independent Designers & Creative Studios

39. Irunna Ejibe — Founder, Ethnocentricque

40. Akali Faith — Founder, Portrends

41. Sessi K — Founder, Clearly Invincible

42. Tamia Nontsikelelo — Founder & Creative Director, Tol_Thema (South Africa)

43. Obianujunaaku Zeph-Samuel — Founder, Struton

Education, Academia & Fashion Knowledge

44. Maryam Adamu — Fashion Educator (Nigeria)

45. Mahlet Afework — Founder, Mafi Fashion Academy (Ethiopia)

46. Olutoni Phillips Aina — Founder, BluVelvet Fashion Institute

47. Sheila Benerdette — Founder, Studio FIT Kenya

48. Frederica Brooksworth — Business Education Leader, Istituto Marangoni

49. Tumi Buys — Founder, The Fashion Firm SA

50. Nina Kwande — Founder, The Fashion Academy Africa

51. Tejumola Maurice-Diya — Founder, The Fashioned Museum

52. Sylvia Owori — Pioneer of Fashion Design in East Africa

53. Mina Dia Stevens — African Fashion Educator

Policy, Law, Governance & Institutional Leadership

54. Grace Efiong — Secretary, Fashion Law Institute Africa

55. Imaobong Ekwere — Lead, Beauty Law Africa

56. Funmi Ladipo — President, Nigerian Fashion Council

57. Kelicia Massala — Managing Editor, Journal of African Fashion Law, Policy & Innovation

58. Eniola Sharon-Scott — Fashion Lawyer, Of Counsel Space Law

59. Ayo A. Amusan — Founder, PRL Ltd

60. Eme Bassey — Special Adviser, Cotton, Textiles & Garments, Federal Ministry of Industry (Nigeria)

61. Joyce Chimanye — Fashion Council of Zimbabwe

Textiles, Manufacturing & Craft

62. Karabelo KB Raletebele — Designer, Seshoeshoe Royal Dresses (Lesotho)

63. Tebello Zachariah — Designer, Bold Couture (Lesotho)

64. Phutheho Ranoeo (THETHANA) — Textile Designer (Lesotho)

65. Edzordzinam Agrosah — Founder, Bloom by Edzi

66. Florentina Agu — Founder, Hertunba

67. Nathalie Botango — Founder, Africa Collect Textiles

68. Rina Chunga — Founder & Creative Director, Rich Factory

69. Mariam Hazem — Co-founder, Reform Studio (Egypt)

70. Rukky Ladoja — Co-founder, Dye Lab (Nigeria)

71. Palesa Mokubung — Founder & Creative Director, Mantsho (South Africa)

72. Josephine Nakafeero — Founder, Jose House of Creations (Uganda)

73. Londeka Buthelezi Ndaba — Founder & Creative Director, Malondie (South Africa)

74. Sharon Welang — Co-founder, Lakelle (Cameroon)

75. Viola Welang — Co-founder, Lakelle (Cameroon)

76. Toyosi Alexis — Founder, Adaptive Atelier

77. Mireille Nemale — Founder, The New Fashion Academy

78. Sthembele Gwacela — Founder & Designer, thirteen.forty.nine (South Africa)

79. Sandi Mazibuko — Founder, House of Fabrosanz (South Africa)

80. Ornella Djokui — Founder, Kroskel

Industry Platforms, Investment & Global Ecosystem Builders

81. Makeba Nana Pokua Boateng — Founder, Fashion Forum Africa

82. Ramata Diallo — Founder, Africa Fashion Tour

83. Ntombi Khambule — Founder, Africa Fashion Guild

84. Victoria Michaels — Founder, Fashion Connect Africa

85. Nathalie Chebou Moth — Founder, OMÔL

86. Valerie Ka — Founder, Africa Fashion Up

87. Precious Moloi-Motsepe — Founder, African Fashion International

88. Udochi Nwogu — Co-founder, Building African Fashion

89. Fiyin Ogunlesi — Founder, Regalstone Capital

90. Umutoni Thuku-Benzinge — Founder, Umutoni

Industry Leadership, Fashion Weeks & Sustainability

1. 91. Lebo Mojaki — Founder & Chair, Fashion and Beauty Councils (South Africa)

   92. Sally Karago — Founder, Mcensal Fashion House

   93. Karen Nakawala — Executive Director, Zambia Fashion Week

   94. Adama Ndiaye — Founder, Dakar Fashion Week (Senegal)

   95. Anita Stanbury — Executive Director, South African Fashion Council

   96. Mahlet Teklemariam — Founder, Hub of Africa Fashion Week (Ethiopia)

   97. Jose Hendo — Ugandan-British Eco-Sustainable Designer

   98. Sindiso Khumalo — Founder & Sustainable Textile Designer

   99. Vania Leles — Founder, Vanleles Diamonds

   100. Queen Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi — Founder, Africa Fashion Week Nigeria & London