Africa’s fashion industry is in the midst of a remarkable ascent, with women emerging as some of the most influential architects of its transformation. As the global community marks the achievements of women each March, it is fitting to recognise the trailblazing figures whose vision, creativity, and leadership continue to redefine the contours of the continent’s fashion landscape. In honour of this impact, the Fashion Law Institute has curated a distinguished list celebrating the Top 100 Women in African Fashion.

Following the success of its inaugural edition, the Fashion Law Institute presents the third edition of the Top 100 Women in African Fashion, released in celebration of International Women’s Day 2026. The list pays tribute to visionary women whose work is reshaping the industry – driving innovation, influencing culture, and leaving an enduring imprint on Africa’s rapidly evolving fashion ecosystem.

Building on the momentum sustained last year, the 2026 edition expands the scope of recognition across the breadth of the industry. While traditional honours often centre primarily on designers or commercial success, this list reflects the full architecture of the fashion value chain. It recognises exceptional women working across diverse sectors including fashion business, media, modelling, styling, education and academia, accessories, advocacy, fashion law, manufacturing, textiles and apparel, technology, creative communities and hubs, finance, non-profit associations, social impact, and sustainability.

More than a catalogue of achievements, the initiative serves as a powerful acknowledgement of the women shaping the present and future of African fashion. Each honouree represents a distinct blend of excellence, resilience, and influence – collectively ensuring that African fashion continues to command a stronger voice in global cultural and commercial conversations.

What follows is a curated roll call of these trailblazers.

  1. Anne Ngann Yonn — Founder, KREYANN

  2. Michelle Ngonmo — Founder, Afro Fashion Association

  3. Thérèse Ngann — Fashion Industry Pioneer

  4. Felicity Serwaa Akankona — Creative Director, February by Serwaa (Ghana)

  5. Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu — Founder, SoleRebels (Ethiopia)

  6. Phyllis Ampumuza — Founder, Mashach Jewelry (Uganda)

  7. Aisha Ayensu — Founder, Christie Brown (Ghana)

  8. Ijeoma Balogun — Founder, Redrick PR

  9. Teresia Wairimu Njuguna — Chairperson, Mitumba Consortium Association of Kenya (MCAK)

  10. Kate Mayey — CEO, African Fabric and Designs (Kenya)

  11. Sidkot Folami — Founder & CEO, Mateen Lander Limited

  12. Rina Folawiyo — Founder, Alára (Nigeria)

  13. Veronica Nyakianda Gakio — Founder & CEO, Ankole Luxury

  14. Dumebi Malogo — Managing Director, Ashluxe

  15. Maryse Mbonyumutwa — Founder & CEO, Pink Mango (Rwanda)

  16. Rene Moshi McDonald — Founder & Creative Director, Lisou London (UK/Africa)

  17. Dolapo Morgan — Founder, Refaini

  18. Longo Mulaisho-Zinsner — Founder & President, Jewellery and Gemstone Association of Africa

  19. Wandia Gichuru — Co-founder & CEO, Vivo Fashion Group

  20. Meiki Ngcengeni — CEO, Isabella Design Jewellers & Refiners (South Africa)

  21. Jennifer Obayuwana — Executive Director, Polo Luxury Group (Nigeria)

  22. Monalisa Okojie — Founder & CEO, Nehita (Nigeria/USA)

  23. Juliet Olanipekun — Founder & Creative Director, LFJ Official

  24. Abiola Olusola — Founder, Abiola Olusola

  25. Eva Omaghomi — Founder, Brand63Africa

  26. Kanyinsola Imade Onalaja — Creative Director, Onalaja (Nigeria)

  27. Hadeel Osman — Founder, Davu Studio

  28. Neheng Phakoana — Founder, Maseru Luxury Brand (Lesotho)

  29. Hayet Rida — Founder, Khoi

  30. Lulu Shabell — CEO & Chief Creativity Champion, Lulubell Group

  31. Thelma West — Founder, Thelma West Diamonds

Models, Talent Developers & Creative Influencers

  1. Ese Amromawhe — Model & Creative Director (Nigeria)

  2. Tansey Coetzee — Commercial Model; Miss South Africa 2007

  3. Iwu Kasarachi — Model (Nigeria)

  4. Flaviana Matata — Model (Tanzania)

  5. Poelano Mothisi — Miss World Lesotho; Fashion Skills Advocate

  6. Ajuma Nasenyana — Model; Founder, City Models Africa & Ajuma Foundation (Kenya)

  7. Yetunde Odimayo — Founder, Organisation for Models in Nigeria

Independent Designers & Creative Studios

  1. Irunna Ejibe — Founder, Ethnocentricque

  2. Akali Faith — Founder, Portrends

  3. Sessi K — Founder, Clearly Invincible

  4. Tamia Nontsikelelo — Founder & Creative Director, Tol_Thema (South Africa)

  5. Obianujunaaku Zeph-Samuel — Founder, Struton

Education, Academia & Fashion Knowledge

  1. Maryam Adamu — Fashion Educator (Nigeria)

  2. Mahlet Afework — Founder, Mafi Fashion Academy (Ethiopia)

  3. Olutoni Phillips Aina — Founder, BluVelvet Fashion Institute

  4. Sheila Benerdette — Founder, Studio FIT Kenya

  5. Frederica Brooksworth — Business Education Leader, Istituto Marangoni

    Related News

  6. Tumi Buys — Founder, The Fashion Firm SA

  7. Nina Kwande — Founder, The Fashion Academy Africa

  8. Tejumola Maurice-Diya — Founder, The Fashioned Museum

  9. Sylvia Owori — Pioneer of Fashion Design in East Africa

  10. Mina Dia Stevens — African Fashion Educator

Policy, Law, Governance & Institutional Leadership

  1. Grace Efiong — Secretary, Fashion Law Institute Africa

  2. Imaobong Ekwere — Lead, Beauty Law Africa

  3. Funmi Ladipo — President, Nigerian Fashion Council

  4. Kelicia Massala — Managing Editor, Journal of African Fashion Law, Policy & Innovation

  5. Eniola Sharon-Scott — Fashion Lawyer, Of Counsel Space Law

  6. Ayo A. Amusan — Founder, PRL Ltd

  7. Eme Bassey — Special Adviser, Cotton, Textiles & Garments, Federal Ministry of Industry (Nigeria)

  8. Joyce Chimanye — Fashion Council of Zimbabwe

Textiles, Manufacturing & Craft

  1. Karabelo KB Raletebele — Designer, Seshoeshoe Royal Dresses (Lesotho)

  2. Tebello Zachariah — Designer, Bold Couture (Lesotho)

  3. Phutheho Ranoeo (THETHANA) — Textile Designer (Lesotho)

  4. Edzordzinam Agrosah — Founder, Bloom by Edzi

  5. Florentina Agu — Founder, Hertunba

  6. Nathalie Botango — Founder, Africa Collect Textiles

  7. Rina Chunga — Founder & Creative Director, Rich Factory

  8. Mariam Hazem — Co-founder, Reform Studio (Egypt)

  9. Rukky Ladoja — Co-founder, Dye Lab (Nigeria)

  10. Palesa Mokubung — Founder & Creative Director, Mantsho (South Africa)

  11. Josephine Nakafeero — Founder, Jose House of Creations (Uganda)

  12. Londeka Buthelezi Ndaba — Founder & Creative Director, Malondie (South Africa)

  13. Sharon Welang — Co-founder, Lakelle (Cameroon)

  14. Viola Welang — Co-founder, Lakelle (Cameroon)

  15. Toyosi Alexis — Founder, Adaptive Atelier

  16. Mireille Nemale — Founder, The New Fashion Academy

  17. Sthembele Gwacela — Founder & Designer, thirteen.forty.nine (South Africa)

  18. Sandi Mazibuko — Founder, House of Fabrosanz (South Africa)

  19. Ornella Djokui — Founder, Kroskel

Industry Platforms, Investment & Global Ecosystem Builders

  1. Makeba Nana Pokua Boateng — Founder, Fashion Forum Africa

  2. Ramata Diallo — Founder, Africa Fashion Tour

  3. Ntombi Khambule — Founder, Africa Fashion Guild

  4. Victoria Michaels — Founder, Fashion Connect Africa

  5. Nathalie Chebou Moth — Founder, OMÔL

  6. Valerie Ka — Founder, Africa Fashion Up

  7. Precious Moloi-Motsepe — Founder, African Fashion International

  8. Udochi Nwogu — Co-founder, Building African Fashion

  9. Fiyin Ogunlesi — Founder, Regalstone Capital

  10. Umutoni Thuku-Benzinge — Founder, Umutoni

Industry Leadership, Fashion Weeks & Sustainability

    1. Lebo Mojaki — Founder & Chair, Fashion and Beauty Councils (South Africa)

    2. Sally Karago — Founder, Mcensal Fashion House

    3. Karen Nakawala — Executive Director, Zambia Fashion Week

    4. Adama Ndiaye — Founder, Dakar Fashion Week (Senegal)

    5. Anita Stanbury — Executive Director, South African Fashion Council

    6. Mahlet Teklemariam — Founder, Hub of Africa Fashion Week (Ethiopia)

    7. Jose Hendo — Ugandan-British Eco-Sustainable Designer

    8. Sindiso Khumalo — Founder & Sustainable Textile Designer

    9. Vania Leles — Founder, Vanleles Diamonds

    10. Queen Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi — Founder, Africa Fashion Week Nigeria & London

Stephen Onyekwelu is BusinessDay’s Strategy & Enterprise Delivery Executive, specialising in turning editorial vision into enterprise outcomes. A former Online News Editor and lead of the Go Local initiative (print, podcast & BDTV in partnership with Providus Bank), he blends investigative storytelling with platform strategy, conference design, and cross-functional delivery.

Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date

Open In Whatsapp