At the heart of the recently concluded Africa Creative Market 2025 at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos was the FashionEVO Summit & Show, a gathering that brought together designers, thought-leaders, innovators, and fashion entrepreneurs from across Africa and the diaspora.
The event, themed Creative Bridge: Bridging Creativity, Community, and Commerce in Africa’s Fashion Future, reaffirmed FashionEVO’s mission to position African fashion as a global force. It also spotlighted the industry’s potential for economic growth, cultural exchange, and digital transformation.
Delegates from various African countries and international markets participated in panel sessions focused on cross-border cooperation, industry education, and the future of fashion supply chains. Speakers included Sandra Alonge of IFFIZI, Harriet Hala Kahuzu of FAB L’Style Magazine, and Ameyaw Debrah, with Tolu Ajibola moderating the session on Pan-African collaboration.
Discussions also examined digital-era supply chains and the role of education in nurturing future talent, with contributions from Blessing Azubike of CcHub, Achu Blessing Ebere of 360 Creative Innovation Hub, Sola Babatunde of OSC Group, and Emmy Collins of Emmy Collins London, moderated by Adaeze Aduaka of Spice TV. A keynote by Queen Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi of Adire Oodua Textile Hub and AFW London explored how traditional craftsmanship can coexist with modern technology. She was joined by Kiki Okewale and Femi Olayebi, with Seyi Amao moderating the session titled Textile to Tech – Fashion Supply Chains in a Digital Era.
Fireside chats delved into styling, fashion entrepreneurship, and digital creativity. A session moderated by Maryanne Alabi featured stylists such as Diipo Ayo-Adeusi and Rhoda Ebun, while another panel examined how digital platforms are helping preserve culture and expand fashion storytelling.
Workshops on sustainability, export readiness, pricing, legal structures, and technology integration offered practical guidance to participants. Facilitators included Tolulope Omoyeni, Lanre Shonoiki, Obinna Okerekeocha, and Annie Oti. Attendees also experienced wellness and branding sessions led by Tallulah Doherty Adetona.
The evening runway show featured collections from designers such as Amarelis, Kijipa Couture, Henri Uduku, Yigalos, Salvage, Sly Monay, IFFIZI, Revolution by Yetty D, and Kola Kuddus. The Top 3 finalists of the Textile Design Competition were also unveiled.
The event concluded with the FashionEVO Awards, honouring contributors to the growth of African fashion. Awardees included Toke Benson, Queen Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, and Femi Olayebi. Musical performances by Mahriisah and Angelo added to the spectacle.Strategic partners such as LEAP Africa, SIPA, and Fabric Printing Global helped amplify the event’s impact, while a four-day pop-up marketplace showcased brands and fostered direct engagement with buyers and enthusiasts.
FashionEVO Founder Yetty Ogunnubi described the platform as a bridge between creativity and global opportunity. Africa Creative Market Convener Inya Lawal added that the 2025 edition demonstrated the industry’s power to connect artisans with markets and innovators with investors. The event was organised by FashionEVO in partnership with Africa Creative Market and YD Company, with international collaborators enriching discussions on how African designers can scale globally while maintaining their cultural identity.
