A new milestone for contemporary African fashion
Africa Fashion Up announces the launch of Africa Fashion Champions 2026, a strategic initiative developed in partnership with the IFC – International Finance Corporation – World Bank Group.
This program of excellence is dedicated to four established African designers, recognized for their influence, the quality of their creations, and their ability to shine on the international stage. With this edition, Africa Fashion Up is taking a new step forward: no longer supporting emerging talent, but rather the expansion of leaders in African fashion.
With Africa Fashion Champions 2026, Africa Fashion Up confirms its role as the leading platform dedicated to contemporary African fashion and opens a new phase of structuring for brands on the continent. This program marks a clear ambition: to bring today's and tomorrow's leaders in African fashion to the forefront on a global scale.
A shared vision with the IFC
Through this partnership, Africa Fashion Up and the IFC are combining their expertise to support brands with high potential for economic and cultural impact.
Together, they commit to:
- Supporting the promotion of African fashion and creative entrepreneurship by promoting leading brands and their expertise.
- Highlight the economic and social impact of African creative industries and associated value chains, which are now key drivers of employment, skills, innovation, and sustainable transformation.
- Provide an international platform for African creators, giving them access to strategic networks, new markets, and global visibility.
- Highlight SME Fashion Champions, the IFC's dedicated program that supports these SMEs with the aim of strengthening their economic impact and their attractiveness to investors.
