Africa Fashion Up, the must-attend event for contemporary African fashion in Paris, announces the launch of its call for applications for its 5th edition, themed around Afrofuturism. Organized by the Share Africa association, this program has been showcasing emerging talents in African fashion for the past five years with the aim of propelling them onto the international stage. For this new edition, applications are open from February 17 to April 15, 2025.
Since its founding in 2020 by Valérie KA, a Franco-Ivorian supermodel, Africa Fashion Up has established itself as a unique platform dedicated to supporting and showcasing the most promising African designers. The 2025 edition continues this mission by offering winners an immersive experience that combines training, mentoring, and exclusive meetings with key players in the French and international fashion industries.
A booming fashion market that reflects a wealth of creativity
African fashion is now emerging as a major creative and economic force. Driven by a young population, rapid urbanization, and a booming middle class, the fashion market in Africa—estimated at $31 billion in 2020—continues to grow. At the same time, the rise of e-commerce, coupled with a growing enthusiasm for African designs, is offering new opportunities to designers, allowing them to showcase their talent and make their mark on the global stage.
With more than 24 countries represented and over 500 applications received in previous editions, Africa Fashion Up has become a platform for showcasing the continent’s talent. In 2025, the program will celebrate this momentum through the lens of Afrofuturism, highlighting fashion that combines innovation and cultural heritage.
A unique opportunity for African creators
The program is aimed at young African creators, stylists, and designers who wish to share their vision of fashion beyond the continent. Following a rigorous selection process conducted by an international jury, five talented individuals will be chosen to participate in an immersive week in Paris.
This experience will include masterclasses and awakening sessions led by leading figures in the industry, meetings with renowned fashion houses, and exclusive visits to the program’s partners, including Balenciaga, HEC Paris, Galeries Lafayette, and the Instituto Marangoni.
As the culmination of this adventure, the winners will have the opportunity to showcase their creations at an exceptional fashion show in Paris, demonstrating their craftsmanship and their commitment to innovative and sustainable fashion.
A stepping stone to international recognition
Since its inception, Africa Fashion Up has helped launch the careers of designers who are now making a name for themselves on the international stage, enabling them to showcase their talent.
“We are proud to see the impact Africa Fashion Up has had on the careers of many African designers. This 5th edition will be another opportunity to highlight the richness and diversity of African fashion, while providing emerging talents with practical tools to develop their brands and break into new markets,” says Valérie KA, founder of Share Africa.
How do I apply?
For this new edition, two categories of applications are open:
Fashion Young Leader: Designed for young fashion designers from Africa or the African diaspora, this category is aimed at emerging talents who want to build their reputation and establish their brand.
Best African Designer: Reserved for more established designers, this category also requires a registered business, a network of retailers, and a strong presence and visibility on social media.
Designers interested in participating in this initiative can apply online on the program's official website: https://www.africafashionup.com/appel-a-candidatures.
About Africa Fashion Up:
Africa Fashion Up, founded by Valérie Ka, is a support and coaching program designed to assist young African designers. It is also the first major Parisian event dedicated to contemporary African fashion, aimed at promoting and encouraging this rapidly growing scene.
For more information about the winners and AFUP, please visit the official website: https://www.africafashionup.com/.
About Share Africa
Share Africa is a platform for initiatives and projects that aims to showcase Africa’s youthful, creative, innovative, and green side by supporting entrepreneurs and creators across the continent. Visit the official Africa Fashion Up website: https://www.africafashionup.com/
Press Contact:
35°Nord Agency – Alysée Raganot: ar@35nord.com / +33 6 77 26 48 70
