The 5th edition of Africa Fashion Up concluded with a memorable evening on Thursday,
June 26, cementing its status as a major event during Paris Fashion Week and an essential platform for emerging African talent.

Throughout a week marked by discovery, exchange, and emotion, designers, experts, luxury houses, and institutions came together to celebrate the boldness and diversity of African fashion through a rich and dynamic program: masterclasses, the Africa Now pop-up store at Galeries Lafayette, immersive visits, and a spectacular final runway show at the Bridge Pont Alexandre III.

By offering a true stage to these young talents, , founder of the event, celebrates the creativity and innovation of the African continent, while reaffirming her ambition to structure and promote the African fashion industry on the international stage.

Valérie Ka, Founder of Share Africa – Africa Fashion Up (left), Hawi Midekssa, winner of the Women’s Entrepreneurship Award and Best Designer Africa (center), Margot Lalanne, Global Internal Communication Director at Balenciaga (right)

Among the 300 applications received this year, five committed designers were honored. Ethiopian designer Hawi Midekssa stood out by winning two major awards: the Women’s Entrepreneurship Award, presented by Alexandre Liot (Galeries Lafayette), and the prestigious Best Designer Africa Award, presented by Margot Lalanne (Balenciaga).

(Galeries Lafayette), and the Best , presented by (Balenciaga), celebrated the young designer’s bold vision and creative power.

, jury president and director of DEFI, to (Fruché). , former minister and committed patron of the event, praised “this beauty that unites and tells a story” before presenting the Award to Peter Oshobor (Oshobor) and Samkelo Xaba (Boyde) for their commitment to sustainable fashion.

, CSR Director at Orange Group, to Cameroonian designer (Eloli World). This award includes enhanced strategic support in digital marketing and business development to accelerate the brand’s international reach.

The runway show also featured the collections of , Mina (2022 winner), and as guests of honor.

Over 300 guests attended the runway show held at , a legendary venue between Les Invalides and the Grand Palais. The event welcomed prominent figures from the worlds of culture and politics, including Flora Coquerel, Miss France 2014 ; actress ; , artist ; , actress ; , Africa-Diaspora Advisor (Élysée) ; , basket-ball player; ; , Director of Civil Society Relations at ENGIE ; , model, influencer and , comedian. The evening concluded with performances by and , named Best DJ Africa at the Trace Awards.

Representatives from major brands were also in attendance. : , Chief Marketing Officer at Balenciaga ; Director of Galeries Lafayette France; Yann Rivoallan, President of the French Federation of Women’s Ready-to-Wear Fashion ; Clarisse Reille, Managing Director of IFTH and DEFI, the incubator and growth accelerator for the clothing industry in France, and Thomas du Pré de Saint Maur, Creative Director of Chanel Fragrance & Beauty.

Africa Fashion Up is much more than a fashion show it is a springboard for a new generation of African designers. In 2025, long-standing partners strengthened their commitment:

“For the fifth consecutive year, Balenciaga is a proud partner of Share Africa – Africa Fashion Up, reaffirming its commitment to diversity and inclusion within the fashion industry. Through this partnership, the House supports the development of creativity in fashion by guiding emerging African designers in their entrepreneurial journey,” said Gianfranco Gianangeli, CEO of Balenciaga.

Since 2021, Africa Fashion Up has established itself as a key event in Paris for African creativity. Over five editions, dozens of designers from Nigeria, South Africa, Morocco, Senegal, Madagascar, Cameroon, Ethiopia, and Côte d’Ivoire have been brought into the spotlight. They’ve had the opportunity to showcase their collections in Paris, gain access to influential networks, and benefit from high-level mentorship programs. Through this initiative, the Share Africa association continues its mission: to empower African designers to shine on the international stage while staying true to their roots.

“I would like to warmly thank all the designers who have joined this adventure, as well as all our partners for their loyalty and commitment. For the past five years, Africa Fashion Up has been celebrating the richness and diversity of Africa with boldness and kindness, and we will continue on this path,” emphasized Valérie Ka, founder of Share Africa – Africa Fashion Up.

##