From Talent to Structure: How the Inaugural F.A.S.T. Accelerator Cohort is Reshaping African Fashion
Talent is abundant across Africa’s creative sector, but building a scalable, commercially viable fashion ecosystem requires more than raw creativity; it demands robust business infrastructure, market readiness, and financial literacy. Addressing this core industry challenge, FashionEVO Programs and 360Creative Innovation Hub recently celebrated the completion of the inaugural Fashion Advancement and Startup Training (F.A.S.T.) Accelerator with an inspiring Pitch & Graduation Ceremony at the British Council in Lagos.
Delivered as a 100% fully funded, zero-cost program for selected emerging founders, the F.A.S.T. Accelerator was designed to bridge the gap between creative execution and business sustainability through an intensive hybrid curriculum.
Over several weeks, participants engaged in rigorous physical and virtual training modules tailored to startup realities. The program underscored the power of strategic ecosystem collaboration.
Chilufya Besa
Hosting the ceremony, Chilufya Besa, Deputy Country Director at the British Council, echoed this sentiment in his opening address: “Today is about recognising your commitment, creativity, and hard work, but more importantly, it is about celebrating what comes next.”
Dr Yetty Ogunnubi
“F.A.S.T was created from the understanding that talent alone is not enough to build a sustainable fashion business,” stated Dr. Yetty Ogunnubi, Founder & CEO of FashionEVO and YD Company. “We wanted to create a platform where emerging fashion entrepreneurs could strengthen their business knowledge, understand their markets, develop practical strategies, and gain the confidence to take their businesses to the next level. This first cohort is the beginning of a long journey of growth and impact.”
The program’s rich curriculum was driven by an impressive lineup of industry experts and facilitators who led sessions across legal, financial, marketing, production, and creative domains: Bernice Asein (Fashion Law Institute Africa), Lanre Shonoiki (CAFET), Mfon Etuk (LEAP Africa), Tolu Akinpeloye (NACK Apparel), Ridwan Ogunbakinde, Damilola Obidairo (8thGear Hub & Venture Studio), Mayowa Aderogbin, Chike Chukwelue, Morenikeji Edward-Ettu, Kehinde Ruth Onasoga (Pandora Global Agency), Ochije Nnani, Udochukwu Emmanuel (YD Company), Kola Oshalusi (Insigna Media), Harry Kesiena (British Council Nigeria), Moremi Elekwachi (Euphorique PR), Abimbola Ajisefini (LEAP Africa), Sola Babatunde (OSC Group), Blessing Ebere Achu – (360Creative Innovation Hub), and Aderemi Ademiju (Grow Enterprise Africa / Pawa360 Africa).
Ebere Achu, Founder & MD of 360Creative Innovation Hub, also highlighted the importance of creativity and collaboration in driving the success of the F.A.S.T cohort, while expressing appreciation to the facilitators, judges, British Council and participants for their contributions and encouraging the graduates to make the most of the opportunity ahead.
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The culmination of the accelerator featured a competitive pitch session where 10 standout finalists presented their growth models, market opportunities, and traction to an expert judging panel: Amabelle Nwakanma – Director of Programmes and Partnerships, LEAP Africa, Remi Ademiju – Founder, Grow Enterprise Africa, Sola Babatunde – Managing Director, OSC Group and Onodugo Ikechukwu – Arts Project Officer, British Council
Following rigorous evaluation across viability, scalability, and pitch delivery, three founders emerged at the top:
| Placement | Founder & Brand | Awards & Key Benefits |
| 1st Place | Moses Agosu (MAK) | ₦500,000 cash prize, strategic consultation, brand visibility, showcase slot at FashionEVO Lagos. |
| 2nd Place | Elizabeth Funmilayo Aweda (Fúmi) | Business consultation, targeted brand visibility, retail showcase opportunities. |
| 3rd Place | Kusoro Samson (Kush Atelier) | Business consultation, brand exposure, showcase integration. |
In addition to capital and strategic support, all top three winners received British Council goody packages and a three-month retail onboarding opportunity with the Idozi Collective Retail Store, providing immediate market access to test and scale their commercial offerings.
The success of the F.A.S.T Accelerator cohort relies on the ecosystem that supported them. Beyond the pitch, the ceremony featured a live Business Showcase where all graduates presented their collections to industry stakeholders, buyers, and facilitators.
Special recognition goes to the dedicated team of facilitators, mentors, and program coordinators whose hands-on guidance equipped these founders to transition from creative visionaries to structured business operators.
As the inaugural cohort steps out into the market, their journey signals a necessary shift in the African fashion narrative: talent brings designers into the room, but structure will take them to the global stage.
About the Partners
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F.A.S.T Accelerator: A joint initiative by FashionEVO Programs and 360Creative Innovation Hub designed to equip emerging fashion entrepreneurs with the tools, networks, and business foundations needed for long-term growth.
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FashionEVO Programs: The learning arm of FashionEVO, dedicated to capacity building, professional development, and structured education across creative sectors.
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360Creative Innovation Hub: Nigeria’s premier fashion co-sewing and business acceleration hub, bridging production and structural gaps for African designers.
Media Enquiries: YD Company | yd@yettyd.com
