Africa’s fashion industry is shaping up to be a huge revenue generator for the continent, with the industry estimated at $31 billion US dollars. The diversity and growth of Africa’s fashion industry are already creating jobs for millions of Africans. This development has seen the rise of notable fashion destinations in Africa.

With fashion shows popping up in vibrant African cities, the world is starting to notice the black continent’s fashion industry. People are starting to discover and appreciate the uniqueness of African fabrics and the flair of African fashion designers. As African cities continue to host their own Fashion Week and tourism continues to grow in Africa, it is necessary to celebrate the fashion capitals of Africa – towns that have become the goto fashion destinations on the continent and are making giant strides in the fashion industry. Let’s take a look.

Johannesburg, South Africa

After years of economic downturn, Johannesburg has slowly but steadily turned into a lively metropolis where fashion, music and art are an integral part of social life. The heart of the urban fashion scene are communities such as Newtown, Braamfontein and Maboneng.

In recent times, with increased access to resources, Johannesburg has held some impressive fashion shows. The locally hosted Fashion Week highlights some of the city’s best fashion designers such as Amanda Laird Cherry, Michelle Ludek, Sindiso Khumalo and a long list of others who showcase their outfits to international media, audience and fashion wholesale buyers.

The work of many Johannesburg fashion designers communicates a social consciousness, either clearly or subtly, due to the political past of the nation and its effect on contemporary society. They tell their own stories of equality and pride through fashion.

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Lagos, Nigeria

Lagos Nigeria’s commercially vibrant city is home to some of the most established fashion brands in Africa. Many Nigerian designers sell their creations around the world. Labels such as Maki Oh and Lanre da Silva Ajayi are worn by Michelle Obama, Beyoncé, Alek Wek and other prominent people. 

The popularity of Lagos as Nigeria’s fashion centre has been greatly driven by the prestigious Lagos Fashion and Design Week. The state is firmly on track to become one of the biggest fashion capitals of the world.

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