[Paris, May 21, 2025] The Africa Fashion Up jury has announced the five winners of its 2025 edition. The first major Parisian event dedicated to African fashion is celebrating its fifth anniversary in style with a record-breaking number of entries: no fewer than 300 applications received, compared to nearly 200 last year. This success attests to the program’s recognition as a major springboard for young contemporary African designers.
Since its launch in 2021, Africa Fashion Up has been supporting emerging talent from the continent and the diaspora and reflecting the vitality of a booming industry. Estimated at $31 billion in 2020, the African fashion market continues to grow. Currently valued at $15.5 billion in annual exports according to UNESCO, the continent’s fashion industry revenues could triple over the next ten years, provided that designers benefit from a structured ecosystem and adequate support.
The five winners of the 2025 competition are:
DIBO, SUME, and FESE (ELOLI WORLD – Cameroon). Founded by three sisters—Dibo, Sume, and Fese—ELOLI WORLD embraces vibrant colors, rich textures, and refined details to create a bold elegance that celebrates African heritage with a contemporary twist.
FRANK AGHUNO (Fruché – Nigeria). A self-taught designer, Frank Aghuno blends traditional textiles, contemporary design, and powerful personal narratives into a bold style. His collections celebrate uncompromising self-expression, and each piece is a manifesto of heritage, pride, and empowerment.
HAWI MIDEKSSA (HAWII – Ethiopia). Already making a name for itself in Paris and New York, the HAWII brand stands out for its original style, which blends its Ethiopian heritage with international fashion. Each piece is designed to tell a story, celebrating individuality and resilience. Committed to issues of empowerment, the brand plans to establish a fashion school in Ethiopia to train the younger generations.
OSHOBOR ODION (OSHOBOR – Nigeria). An eccentric style and vibrant colors are the hallmarks of Nigerian designer Oshobor Odion. His brand draws inspiration from a deeply emotional and cultural heritage, with numerous cultural references to the Edo region. Rooted in its local heritage, this slow fashion brand stands out for its strong commitment to sustainable practices.
SAMKELO XABA (BOYDE – South Africa). Geometric modernism and industrial architecture inspire the designs of South African designer Samkelo Xaba, whose style is characterized by simplicity and minimalism. His brand, BOYDE, offers luxurious fashion crafted with high-quality craftsmanship, with a particular focus on comfort and functionality. There is also a strong emphasis on the sustainability of the garments.
In late June, these young designers will take part in a professional immersion program in Paris, including masterclasses, visits to fashion houses, and training in management and international business provided by HEC Paris. This week will mark the start of a four-month mentoring program, led jointly by the École des Hautes Études Commerciales and Balenciaga, the luxury fashion house, which will also offer additional awareness sessions.
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/
Link to Say Who photos:
