The African Fashion Designers Award (AFDA) has announced its 8th edition, themed “Fashion Bespoke Experience,” set to take place on November 16, 2025, at The Podium, Lekki, Lagos.
This premier fashion showcase will bring together some of Africa’s most talented designers, models, and industry leaders in a vibrant celebration of the continent’s rich cultural heritage and creative innovation.
Building on seven successful years of elevating African fashion on the global stage, AFDA 2025 promises to be its most spectacular edition yet. This year’s event will spotlight bespoke designs that emphasize the artistry of African tailoring and customization, offering an immersive experience that blends tradition with modernity.
The event is endorsed by the Lagos State Government Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture—highlighting its importance to Nigeria’s creative economy. Leading corporate sponsors such as Johnnie Walker, Darling Hair Nigeria, Da’ Circles, MySogi Ads, and Loom Rooms are partnering with AFDA, underscoring the growing confidence in the commercial potential of African fashion.
Attendees can look forward to a rich program that includes exclusive designer showcases featuring Africa’s top fashion talents, live model presentations of cutting-edge designs, a prestigious awards ceremony honoring excellence in fashion design and modeling, as well as high-level networking opportunities with fashion executives, financial institutions, and government stakeholders. The event will also feature live cultural entertainment and a dynamic fashion exhibition highlighting current trends and traditional craftsmanship.
More than just an awards ceremony, AFDA functions as a comprehensive business platform. It is designed to elevate emerging fashion talent across Africa, foster connections with international buyers and investors, facilitate partnerships with financial institutions, and strengthen collaboration between fashion entrepreneurs and government support programs. Through these efforts, AFDA continues to promote African fashion on the global stage.
The excitement surrounding this year’s edition is palpable. On September 20, 2025, AFDA held its model casting at The Fit Fitness Studio in Lekki, drawing over 500 aspiring models, the largest turnout in the award’s history.
Nominees for this year’s awards will be officially announced on Monday, September 29, 2025, spotlighting the most promising designers and innovators shaping the future of African fashion.
“We are thrilled to present the Fashion Bespoke Experience at The Podium, Lekki,” said King Dasilva Olasunkanmi, AFDA Organizer. “This theme celebrates the exceptional artistry of African tailoring and customization. AFDA 2025 will showcase not just beautiful clothing, but the stories, traditions, and innovations that make African fashion a global force.”
Now in its 8th year, the African Fashion Designers Award stands as Africa’s leading fashion recognition platform. It has consistently championed the continent’s designers, offering vital exposure, business opportunities, and industry connections that have helped launch numerous successful fashion careers across Africa.
