Africa is fast becoming a formidable force in global fashion, and its fashion weeks are more than just runway events — they are cultural celebrations, business hubs, and networking hotspots. Here are the most impactful fashion weeks across the continent that are redefining African style and creativity.
1. Lagos Fashion Week (Nigeria)
Lagos Fashion Week is the most talked-about fashion event on the continent. Founded by Omoyemi Akerele, it has become a critical platform for African designers to present their collections to global audiences. Held annually in October, it draws international press, buyers, and fashion influencers. Lagos Fashion Week also includes workshops, masterclasses, and fashion business series, making it a truly immersive experience.
Designers like Orange Culture, Lisa Folawiyo, and Tokyo James have become global names thanks to this platform. Lagos Fashion Week has also made strides in sustainability through its “Green Access” initiative that spotlights eco-conscious designers.
2. South African Fashion Week (SAFW)
Established in 1997, SAFW is one of the longest-running and most established fashion weeks on the continent. Hosted in Johannesburg, it showcases top-tier South African designers such as David Tlale, Gert-Johan Coetzee, and Thebe Magugu — the first African winner of the prestigious LVMH Prize.
Unlike other fashion weeks, SAFW maintains a strong focus on commercial viability, offering a “Trade Show” segment where designers can interact directly with retailers and customers.
3. Dakar Fashion Week (Senegal)
Founded by Adama Paris, Dakar Fashion Week has grown into one of West Africa’s premier style events. It’s not just about clothing — it’s a cultural experience with African music, dance, and art infused into every show. Designers come from across Africa and the diaspora to showcase vibrant, Afrocentric collections rooted in heritage.
The event’s setting—often outdoors in historic Dakar locations—adds a unique ambiance. In recent years, Dakar Fashion Week has highlighted sustainability and spotlighted emerging female designers.
4. Accra Fashion Week (Ghana)
Ghana’s fashion industry is booming, and Accra Fashion Week is at the heart of that movement. Launched in 2016, it showcases the innovation of Ghanaian designers while welcoming talent from across Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean. The event features runway shows, pop-ups, exhibitions, and networking events.
Accra Fashion Week has helped designers like Duaba Serwa and Pistis gain international exposure. It’s a platform where traditional Ghanaian textiles like kente and batakari are modernized and celebrated.
5. Swahili Fashion Week (Tanzania)
Swahili Fashion Week, founded by Mustafa Hassanali, is the largest fashion event in East and Central Africa. Held in Dar es Salaam, it champions Swahili culture through design. It’s a breeding ground for local talent and includes an award show recognizing fashion excellence.
Designers from Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda regularly participate, making it a regional melting pot of fashion creativity. Swahili Fashion Week is also known for its inclusivity, with plus-size models and designers from rural communities regularly featured.
6. Ethiopia Fashion Week
Ethiopia’s rich textile history finds modern expression in Ethiopia Fashion Week. The event blends ancient weaving techniques with contemporary design. Designers like Fikirte Addis and Mahlet Afework use the event to present garments made with traditional handwoven cotton (shemma).
As Ethiopia gains traction as a textile production hub, this fashion week positions it as a place of both heritage and future-facing style.
7. Windhoek Fashion Week (Namibia)
Namibia’s Windhoek Fashion Week may be newer, but it’s rapidly gaining attention for its raw and unfiltered creative energy. Featuring designers from Southern Africa, it celebrates African stories told through fashion. It promotes gender-fluid designs, Afro-futurism, and body diversity — breaking conventional norms.
Why These Fashion Weeks Matter
These fashion weeks go beyond aesthetics — they influence trends, empower economies, and provide young Africans with opportunities in design, photography, modeling, and content creation. For fashion lovers and entrepreneurs, they are essential annual destinations.
