The African Fashion Development Initiative.

OUR MISSION

The African Fashion Development Initiative (AFDI) is dedicated to advancing Africa’s fashion industry through strategic investment, research, and capacity-building. Our mission is to empower emerging fashion entrepreneurs by providing targeted grants and education, fostering innovation, women empowerment, youth employment and supporting sustainable development. We aim to enhance local production, stimulate job creation, and promote Africa’s ecosystem on the global stage. AFDI is committed to creating an enabling ecosystem where fashion serves as a tool for economic growth, cultural preservation, and global competitiveness.

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Read Our Latest Briefing Paper

INVESTING IN AFRICAN FASHION

How Small Investments Can Drive Employment, Economic Growth and Sustainable Development.

African fashion is more than creative space, it's a gateway to economic transformation. Our first briefing paper highlights how improving access to finance in this sector can unlock opportunities, create jobs, drive economic growth, and promote sustainable development across the continent.

Access to targeted investments can empower communities, foster gender equality, and position Africa as a leader in the global fashion landscape.

Production Units. Seamstresses. Designers. Shoemakers. Pattern Cutters. Manufacturers. Embroiderers. Weavers. Upcyclers. Waste Management Solutions. Fashion Tech Enthusiasts. Textile Specialist.

This Grant Is For You

Application & Awarding Process

APPLY NOW

Beyond Funding, Empowering Entrepreneurs for Long-Term Success.

At AFDI, we do more than provide micro-grants, we invest in the future of African fashion entrepreneurs. Each grant recipient receives comprehensive support to ensure their business not only survives but thrives.

Alongside funding, we offer pro bono legal guidance, financial literacy education, business consulting, and assistance in setting up efficient business systems. Our goal is to transform funding into real, lasting impact, helping entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses that drive economic growth and job creation within their communities.

The Story

The idea for this initiative has been close to my heart since the early days of founding CIAFE. From the beginning, it was clear that one of the greatest barriers for African fashion entrepreneurs is access to finance. Traditional bank loans are often inaccessible due to exorbitant interest rates, venture capital opportunities are scarce, and there is a notable lack of competitions or programmes offering financial rewards for emerging fashion businesses.

Through years of reflection and exploration, it became evident that developing Africa’s fashion industry requires more than education alone, financial investment is essential for meaningful progress. Africa’s fashion industry holds immense potential to lead in sustainability, generate job opportunities for women and the growing youth population, and drive economic growth across the continent.

Our research with African fashion entrepreneurs revealed that investments as modest as $300 to $1,000 to launch their businesses. Entrepreneurs used these funds to purchase equipment, manufacture products, register their businesses, upskill their teams, and seek legal advice to protect their intellectual property and operations.

However, to truly revolutionise the industry, we must look beyond building individual fashion brands and invest in the backbone of the ecosystem. This means building local manufacturing and production units, developing waste management solutions, creating training facilities to preserve and pass down essential skills, supporting experienced artisans, establishing business consultancies, retail solutions and establishing local suppliers to reduce dependence on imports.

AFDI was created not simply as a financial tool but as a holistic initiative designed to provide long term support for businesses. We aim to empower entrepreneurs through capacity building, access to legal counsel, business consulting, and systems implementation. 

Frederica Brooksworth, Director

Strategic Advisors

  • Sara Sozzani Maino

    Creative Director at Fondazione Sozzani

    Photo: Illya Ovchar

  • Lulu Shabell

    CEO and Chief Creativity Champion at Lulubell Group

  • Ekow Barnes

    Editor at Guzangs

Want to get involved?

We’re seeking strategic partners in all areas from development organisations, non-profit organisations, financial institutions, technology and e-commerce companies, academic partners, media and communications agencies, fashion networks and private donors. Join us and help create change.