FashionEVO Summit 2025: Bridging Africa’s Fashion Future Through Dialogue, Education, and Innovation
FashionEVO Summit 2025 took place on September 18 at the Africa Creative Market, Landmark Event Centre, Lagos, establishing itself as a pivotal gathering for influential voices and emerging talents in African fashion. Under the theme “Creative Bridge: Bridging Creativity, Community, and Commerce in Africa’s Fashion Future,” the summit attracted delegates from across the continent and international markets, fostering a dynamic ecosystem of knowledge exchange that addressed both the opportunities and challenges facing the industry today.
Dr Yetty Ogunnubi, Founder/ Chief Executive Officer of FashionEVO
Dr Yetty Ogunnubi, the convenor of the summit, emphasised the importance of this gathering by stating, “FashionEVO Summit is not just an event; it’s a movement. We are here to inspire, educate, and empower our fashion community to harness their creativity while navigating the complexities of the global marketplace. Our goal is to build an inclusive and sustainable future for African fashion, where cultural heritage meets innovation.”
The summit was designed with a practical approach, recognising the immediate needs of African fashion professionals. Rather than solely offering inspiration, the day blended motivation with actionable tools that attendees could implement in their businesses, resonating well with participants who are discerning about their investments in professional development.
Panel discussions provided a platform for engaging conversations about the industry’s future. The first panel, focusing on cross-border collaboration, featured Sandra Alonge of IFFIZI, Harriet Hala Kahuzu from Venice, founder of FAB L’Style Magazine, Ameyaw Debrah, Ghanaian influencer and Lifestyle blogger and was moderated by award-winning broadcaster Tolu Ajibola. They explored how African designers can collaborate across borders while honouring their unique cultural narratives. Harriet offered insights into how African designers are perceived in European markets, while Sandra shared practical strategies for maintaining artistic integrity while meeting global market demands.
Emmy Collins, Blessing Ebere Achu, Adaeze Aduaka, Blessing Azubike and Sola Babatunde.
A panel on the future of fashion education included Blessing Azubike from CcHub, Blessing Ebere Achu of 360 Creative Innovation Hub, Sola Babatunde of OSC Group, and Emmy Collins of Emmy Collins London, with Adaeze Aduaka moderating. Blessing highlighted how technology hubs are beginning to recognise fashion as a vital business sector, providing essential support for fashion entrepreneurs similar to that offered to tech startups.
Queen Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi
Queen Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, founder of Adire Oodua Textile Hub, delivered a keynote speech illustrating the synergy between traditional textile craftsmanship and modern technology. Her work showcased the possibility of preserving ancient craft traditions while leveraging contemporary business practices.
Seyi Amao, Femi Olayebi and Kiki Okewale
The summit also featured a panel on the intersection of textiles and technology with Kiki Okewale of Fabric Printing Global and Femi Olayebi of Femi Handbags, moderated by Seyi Amao. They discussed how digital tools are revolutionising the production and sale of African textiles, sharing impactful stories of innovation.
Diipo Ayo-Adeusi, Ifeoma Odogwu, Maryanne Alabi, John J. Angel and Rhoda Ebun
Fireside chats provided intimate settings for in-depth discussions. “The Business of Style” session featured stylists Diipo Ayo-Adeusi, Rhoda Ebun, Ifeoma Odogwu, and John J. Angel, moderated by Maryanne Alabi. They tackled often-overlooked topics such as pricing, client management, and sustaining a profitable styling career.
Olubunmi Lasisi, Princess Ifedolapo Onikoyi, Malik Afegbua and Somto Ajuluchukwu
Another engaging session, “Fashion as Archive, Digital as Voice,” brought together Malik Afegbua of Slickcity Media and Princess Ifedolapo Onikoyi, founder of Artfrofest, Olubunmi Lasisi, founder/ Creative Director of Black Adudu, moderated by Somto Ajuluchukwu of Vortex Animation. This conversation explored how African designers use digital platforms to document and preserve cultural heritage while expanding their global reach.
Tolulope Omoyeni
Workshops translated theory into practical tools. Tolulope Omoyeni and Chukwuemeka Okeke from LEAP Africa led a session on building sustainable fashion brands, helping designers identify sustainability practices rooted in their traditions.
Lanre Shonoiki
Lanre Shonoiki’s workshop addressed the critical issues of pricing and export readiness, providing tangible steps for navigating international markets.
Obinna Okerekeocha
Obinna Okerekeocha led a tech workshop focused on how AI, e-commerce, and digital tools can be leveraged by African designers today. Annie Oti organised the FashionEVO Legal Launchpad workshop, covering essential legal protections for fashion entrepreneurs.
Tallulah Doherty Adetona
Tallulah Doherty Adetona‘s “Glow Up From The Inside Out” session emphasised the importance of wellness in the creative process, offering strategies for maintaining physical and mental health in demanding careers.
Damilola and Roseline Bolarinde
Damilola Bolarinde and Roseline Bolarinde held a masterclass on ‘Beyond the Runway’-Branding and stage presence. where they took participants through stage presence and how to build personal branding that commands attention.
The networking opportunities throughout the summit were invaluable, bringing together designers, educators, business developers, stylists, and media professionals, leading to collaborations that are already evolving into meaningful projects and partnerships.
Collaborations with LEAP Africa, SIPA, AYKO Agency and Amel Susan bolstered the summit’s success. Attendees left not only inspired but equipped with practical tools, new connections, and renewed confidence in the economic potential of African fashion, all while celebrating its cultural heritage. The conversations sparked at the summit continue to thrive online and in WhatsApp groups, ensuring the impact extends far beyond the event itself.
FashionEVO Summit 2025 demonstrated that when diverse segments of the African fashion community unite with a clear purpose, the exchange of knowledge can create real momentum, driving the entire industry forward.
