Fashion Focus Africa Announces 2019/2020 Finalists

Over the years, Fashion Focus Africa, the talent-scouting arm of  Lagos Fashion Week has established itself as a platform dedicated to the development of designers within the fashion ecosystem across the African continent. Consequently, it has maintained a year-long-incubator program to support designers by assisting them with establishing the right structure and practices to facilitate scalability and business growth.

Applications were received from a range of applicants across the continent and five (5) finalists were selected based on the strength of their creative and commercial proposals by the judging panel which included Allesandra Della Morte, Fashion Editor – Vogue Talents, Ijeoma Ogbechie –  Founder Avivere, Maki Nakata – Freelance journalist, Branding Director & Advisor with a special focus on African perspectives, and Nisha Kanabar – Founder & CEO of Industrie Africa, at an interview session during Heineken Lagos Fashion Week 2019.

The 2019/2020 finalists are Taju Ibrahim – TJWho (Nigeria), Kadiata Diallo- Niuku (Mauritania), David Dodoo – Chiip O’Neal (Ghana), Elfreda Fakoya – Elfreda (Nigeria) and Moise Turahirwa – Moshions (Rwanda). The nationalities represented are a testament to Fashion Focus’ efforts to facilitate pan-African collaboration and generate impact beyond the Nigerian borders.

The year-long program will provide coaching in business development as well as creative workshops, mentorship from various experts, and the opportunity to apply for Fashion Focus Fund, a financial grant for their business.  This program aims to leave designers well-equipped to succeed in the fashion industry.