The African Fashion Designers Award (AFDA) returns for its highly anticipated 8th edition on November 16, 2025, taking center stage at The Podium, Lekki, with a compelling theme titled “Fashion Bespoke Experience.” The event will once again gather Africa’s finest designers, models, creatives, and industry leaders for a powerful celebration of craftsmanship, culture, and innovation in fashion.
Now recognized as one of Africa’s most influential fashion platforms, AFDA has spent the last seven years elevating African design on the global stage. The 2025 edition is set to raise the bar, placing a spotlight on bespoke fashion—highlighting the artistry of African tailoring, customization, and detail-driven craftsmanship. The experience promises a seamless blend of tradition and modern design, offering guests an immersive journey into the heart of African fashion excellence.
The event enjoys strong institutional backing, with official endorsement from the Lagos State Government through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, reinforcing AFDA’s role in strengthening Nigeria’s creative economy. Support from leading corporate brands including Johnnie Walker, Darling Hair Nigeria, Da’ Circles, MySogi Ads, and Loom Rooms further reflects growing confidence in the commercial and global potential of African fashion.
AFDA 2025 will deliver a robust and engaging program, featuring exclusive runway showcases by top African designers, live model presentations of cutting-edge collections, and a prestigious awards ceremony honoring outstanding achievements in fashion design and modeling. Attendees will also benefit from curated networking opportunities with fashion executives, financial institutions, investors, and government stakeholders. Complementing the fashion experience will be live cultural performances and a dynamic fashion exhibition celebrating both contemporary trends and traditional craftsmanship.
Beyond the glamour, AFDA continues to function as a strategic business and development platform. The initiative is designed to empower emerging designers across Africa, connect creatives with international buyers and investors, foster partnerships with financial institutions, and strengthen collaboration between fashion entrepreneurs and government-backed support programs. Through these efforts, AFDA remains committed to expanding Africa’s footprint in the global fashion industry.
Momentum for this year’s edition has already reached historic levels. On September 20, 2025, AFDA hosted its official model casting at The Fit Fitness Studio in Lekki, attracting over 500 aspiring models, the highest turnout in the event’s history—signaling the growing influence and appeal of the platform.
The official list of nominees for the 2025 awards will be unveiled on Monday, September 29, 2025, spotlighting designers and innovators who are shaping the future of African fashion.
Speaking on the upcoming edition, King Dasilva Olasunkanmi, AFDA Organizer, said, “We are excited to introduce the Fashion Bespoke Experience at The Podium, Lekki. This theme honors the exceptional craftsmanship of African tailoring and customization. AFDA 2025 will not only showcase remarkable designs, but also the stories, heritage, and innovation that position African fashion as a global force.”
As it enters its eighth year, the African Fashion Designers Award continues to stand as Africa’s leading fashion recognition platform—championing creativity, unlocking business opportunities, and building industry connections that have launched and sustained successful fashion careers across the continent.