Celebrating Excellence & Creativity at FashionEVO Zambia, 2026!

The world is full of exceptional minds who work tirelessly to create and promote excellence in different fields and works of life. At the FashionEVO Show,  some of these exceptional minds were highlighted, celebrated and awarded. The show took place in Polo B Showgrounds, Lusaka, Zambia.

 

Tolu Akinpeloye — NACK Apparel

Nigerian creative director and entrepreneur Tolu Akinpeloye, founder of NACK Apparel, was honoured in the Afropolitan Visionary Award category. This award embodies Tolu Akinpeloye’s creativity and consistency within the African Fashion ecosystem. With expertise spanning creative direction, product development, retail strategy, and brand building, Tolu approaches fashion as a powerful medium for identity, aspiration, and cultural influence.

 

 

Blessing Ebere Achu — 360Creative Innovation Hub & Idozi Collective 

Awarded as a Creative Ecosystem Builder, this award shines a light on Blessing Ebere Achu, a creative economy leader, fashion enterprise builder, curator, and market access strategist who is known for building practical systems that help African designers move from talent to structured, market-ready businesses. She is the founder of 360Creative Innovation Hub and Idozi Collective respectively. 

 

 

Faith M. Kabende — Fay Designs & President of Zambia Association of Fashion Designers 

Faith M. Kabende, honoured with the Fashion Industry Development Award, is an accomplished Zambian fashion designer, entrepreneur, and visionary founder of Fay Designs, a brand celebrated for its bold Afrocentric designs and cultural storytelling through fashion. 

Through her work, Faith has empowered young designers and rural women, championing skills development and entrepreneurship in Zambia. She is also the president of the Zambia Association of Fashion Designers and a board member of National Arts Council (NAC).

 

Natasha Watanuka — Tashfash Designs

Founder and Creative Director of Tashfash Designs, Natasha Watanuka Banda was awarded as Zambian Fashion Ambassador. The award is a testament to her commitment to transforming Zambia’s cultural identity into contemporary luxury fashion and how she has demonstrated the power of fashion as a force for impact.

 

 

 

Onkgopotse Mashika  — Angalia Apparel 

Meet Onkgopotse Mashika, winner of the Creative Enterprise Leader Award. She is the visionary Founder, Creative Director, and Designer behind Angalia Apparel. Leaving a career in accounting to focus on fashion, Onkgopotse’s work is all about confidence, a celebration of heritage, and a commitment to making every woman feel her absolute best.

 

Mr. Kangwa Chileshe — Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youths, Sports & Arts

Mr. Kangwa Chileshe, the Permanent Secretary,  Ministry of Youths, Sports & Arts, Zambia was honoured with the Creative Industry Leadership Award for his visionary leadership, propelling the creative economy of Zambia by focusing on initiatives that are of immense value and importance to the next generation.

 

The FashionEVO Awards Night at Zambia was a night of  highlighting and celebrating a plethora of creative & illustrious minds and the work they have put in.  The awards were a testament to FashionEVO’s unwavering support of individuals who have, over the years, ensured the preservation of cultural heritage and the transformation of their respective crafts into globally recognised pillars in the advancement of the African creative ecosystem.