By Yemisi Suleiman

The Africa Fashion Week Nigeria (AFWN) has partnered with Sterling Bank and other key industry players to promote the growth of the African fashion industry.

This partnership was unveiled at a press conference held recently in Lagos, for the 10th edition of the Africa Fashion Week Nigeria.

According to Her Royal Majesty, Queen Ronke Ademiluyi Ogunwusi, Founder of AFWN, “This 10th-anniversary edition would not only celebrate fashion but a celebration of African innovation, creativity, and impact on the global stage.”

The three days event, scheduled to hold from December 6-8, 2024, at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, will feature a runway show, cultural exhibition, fashion marketplace, and opportunities for attendees to engage with African fashion.

Chidimma Okoye, Head of Corporate Affairs at Sterling Bank, stated, “We are excited to partner with AFWN to amplify the creative economy’s role in Nigeria’s growth. With the fashion sector contributing billions of naira annually to Nigeria’s GDP, this partnership is a natural extension of our mission to nurture economic development, job creation, and cultural innovation.”

Okoye further mentioned that as a bank, Sterling has long championed transformative initiatives, from Agric Summit Africa to the Africa Social Impact Summit. “These platforms allow us to drive positive change, and now, with our partnership with AFWN, we are excited to amplify the creative economy’s role in Nigeria’s growth. With the fashion sector contributing billions of naira annually to Nigeria’s GDP and growing at a remarkable rate, this partnership is a natural extension of our mission to nurture economic development, job creation, and cultural innovation.” says Okoye.
She added that through the partnership, Sterling is committed to making AFWN a platform for amplifying Nigerian talent, creativity, and sustainable growth.

The 3-day showcase of African fashion and culture, kicks off December with an exciting line up of events, beginning with the Creativity Summit, where exceptional upcoming designers will compete for the grand prize of an all-expense-paid trip to showcase at Africa Fashion Week London in 2025.

This competition is part of AFWN’s ongoing mission to spotlight and nurture fresh talent, giving young African designers a global platform to showcase their work.

Day Two, December 7, will feature a runway show by established designers from across Africa, including a special appearance by designers who showcased at Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) earlier this year.

A key highlight of Day Three, December 8, is the runway show in collaboration with Elizabeth Miller PR’s Luxury Hearts Fundraiser, a high-profile charity event that aims to support local orphanages.

Olori Ronke Ogunwusi revealed that as part of the specials this year, the runway would be graced by Olufolake Abdulrazaq, the First Lady of Kwara State, who will join a prestigious lineup of governors’ wives, CEOs, MDs,celebrities, and influencers to inspire and encouraged the designers.
The event promises to blend fashion with philanthropy, making it a memorable conclusion to the 10th-anniversary celebrations.

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