AFWN 2024 and Sterling Bank: Spotlighting African Fashion and Emerging Designers

Nigerian fashion continues to redefine global standards, and the 10th edition of Africa Fashion Week Nigeria (AFWN) 2024 and Sterling Bank was no exception.

Held at the Lagos Oriental Hotel from December 6 to 8, AFWN 2024 not only celebrated a decade of African fashion excellence but also highlighted the transformative potential of the creative economy.

In collaboration with Sterling Bank, this event showcased the best African couture, spotlighted emerging designers, and underscored the intersection of fashion, art, music, and technology.

AFWN 2024 wasn’t just an event but a movement celebrating African creativity and economic empowerment, solidifying its position as one of the continent’s most influential fashion platforms.

 

A Decade of African Fashion Excellence

AFWN has been a beacon of hope and opportunity for African designers for the past ten years, offering a stage to showcase their creativity to a global audience. This year’s theme, “African Fashion and Economic Impact on Art, Music, Film, and Tech,” explored the role of fashion as a driver of economic growth across various creative industries.

The three-day event featured panel discussions, fashion showcases, and exhibitions. Industry leaders, including top designers, artists, and technologists, shared insights on leveraging African heritage in a globalised world. AFWN 2024 celebrated African craftsmanship and inspired a new generation of creatives to harness their potential.

 

Sterling Bank’s Pioneering Role in Fashion

As the headline sponsor, Sterling Bank demonstrated its commitment to driving economic growth through Nigeria’s creative industries. The bank’s involvement wasn’t just financial; it was visionary. Chidimma Okoli, Head of Brand Marketing at Sterling Bank, emphasised the institution’s dedication to empowering designers with tools and networks to scale their businesses globally.

 “Our partnership with AFWN aligns with our mission to support Nigeria’s creative economy. We believe fashion is a vital part of our cultural identity and a significant contributor to economic development.”

Through this partnership, Sterling Bank enhanced the event’s prestige and underscored the importance of strategic collaborations in advancing Africa’s creative landscape.

 

Emerging Designers Steal the Spotlight

One of the most anticipated highlights of AFWN 2024 was the Emerging Designers Competition. This initiative sought to discover and nurture fresh talent within the African fashion industry. Adesua Ella Impens of Lambert Fashion emerged victorious, impressing judges with her innovative designs that seamlessly blended tradition with modernity.

As the winner, Adesua received an all-expenses-paid trip to showcase her collection at Africa Fashion Week London 2025 and a mentorship staycation at KAP Academy sponsored by Sterling Bank. This initiative reinforced AFWN’s mission of empowering young designers to thrive on global platforms.

 

Fashion as a Tool for Youth Empowerment

Olori Ronke Ademiluyi Ogunwusi, founder of Africa Fashion Week Nigeria and London, highlighted the event’s impact on youth empowerment. Over the years, AFWN has created thousands of jobs along the fashion value chain, offering opportunities to tailors, fabric artisans, and photographers.

This year, AFWN employed over 1,000 young people, including Yaba College of Technology and Manchester University students, underscoring its commitment to education and skills development. The event’s ability to combine fashion with social impact is a testament to its enduring relevance in Nigeria’s cultural and economic landscape.

 

Educational Partnerships and Cultural Heritage

A standout feature of AFWN 2024 was its focus on education and cultural preservation. The newly signed partnership with the London School of Economics for an executive masterclass program exemplifies this commitment. This collaboration aims to equip young African designers with the skills needed to excel in the global market.

AFWN also emphasised the significance of preserving African heritage by showcasing traditional techniques like weaving, beading, and dyeing. Designers reimagined these age-old practices in modern collections, presenting a fusion of history and innovation.

 

Distinguished Guests Celebrate African Fashion

Notable dignitaries attended AFWN 2024, including His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, the Ambassador Plenipotentiary of AFWN and London. Other esteemed attendees included Oba Saheed Elegushi Kusenla III and Her Excellency Prof. Dr. Olufolake AbdulRasaq, the Global Matron of AFWN and London.

Their presence underscored the event’s cultural significance and highlighted traditional leaders’ role in promoting African fashion globally.

 

The Intersection of Fashion, Art, Music, and Technology

The theme of AFWN 2024 explored how fashion intersects with other creative industries, driving innovation and economic growth. The event demonstrated the potential of cross-industry synergies, from collaborations with tech startups to partnerships with musicians and filmmakers.

Panel discussions highlighted opportunities for designers to integrate technology into their craft, from digital fashion presentations to blockchain for copyright protection. These conversations underscored the need for designers to adapt to the digital age while staying rooted in their cultural identities.

 

Looking Ahead: The Future of African Fashion

As AFWN 2024 concluded its 10th edition, it left an indelible mark on the African fashion landscape. The event’s success highlighted the potential of African designers to compete on a global stage and the importance of strategic partnerships in sustaining growth.

Looking ahead, AFWN aims to:

1. Expand Global Reach: Strengthen collaborations with international fashion weeks and organisations.
2. Promote Sustainability: Advocate for eco-friendly practices in design and production.
3. Empower More Youth: Create additional platforms for training and mentorship.

With continued support from partners like Sterling Bank and collaborations with educational institutions, the future of African fashion is undeniably bright.

 

Conclusion

Africa Fashion Week Nigeria 2024 was more than just a fashion event—it celebrated culture, innovation, and economic empowerment. AFWN has proven its significance in shaping Africa’s creative economy by empowering emerging designers and preserving cultural heritage.

As the African fashion industry continues to evolve, platforms like AFWN will remain critical in redefining narratives and showcasing the continent’s vast potential. With its commitment to excellence and inclusivity, AFWN is a fashion powerhouse and a catalyst for transformative change.

 

FAQs

1. What is AFWN?

AFWN (Africa Fashion Week Nigeria) is an annual fashion event that showcases African designers and promotes the continent’s fashion industry.

2. How did Sterling Bank support AFWN 2024?

Sterling Bank was the headline sponsor, offering financial and strategic support, including mentorship programs and international exposure for emerging designers.

3. Who won the Emerging Designers Competition at AFWN 2024?

Adesua Ella Impens of Lambert Fashion won the competition, earning a trip to Africa Fashion Week London 2025.

4. What was the theme of AFWN 2024?

The theme was “African Fashion and Economic Impact on Art, Music, Film, and Tech,” highlighting the creative economy’s role in economic development.

5. What is AFWN’s vision for the future?

AFWN aims to expand globally, promote sustainability, and empower young designers through education and mentorship.