Fashion Law Institute Africa Unveils Top 100 Women Shaping African Fashion Industry

The Fashion Law Institute Africa has announced the release of the 3rd Edition of its Top 100 Women in African Fashion, recognising influential women driving innovation, leadership and growth across the continent’s fashion ecosystem.

The list, unveiled in Lagos in March 2026, celebrates 100 women across diverse sectors of the fashion industry including fashion business, modelling, styling, textiles, sustainability, technology, education and fashion law.

According to the Institute, the initiative aims to spotlight the women whose work continues to position African fashion as a formidable force on the global stage.

In a statement accompanying the announcement, the Institute noted that the recognition reflects the growing global influence of African creatives and industry professionals.

“African fashion is not emerging — it has arrived. The women on this list are proof of that. They are building businesses, changing laws, teaching the next generation, and reimagining what fashion means on this continent and beyond. We are proud to celebrate them,” the Fashion Law Institute said.

Among the notable honourees is Eme Bassey, Special Adviser on Cotton, Textiles and Garments to the Honourable Minister of State for Industry, whose role underscores the increasing connection between fashion and national economic policy in Nigeria.

Also recognised are Funmi Ladipo, President of the Nigerian Fashion Council, and Grace Efiong, Secretary of the Fashion Law Institute Africa, both of whom have played key roles in strengthening institutional structures and governance within Nigeria’s fashion industry.

The recognition programme also highlights leading entrepreneurs and creatives such as Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, founder of Ethiopia’s globally renowned footwear brand Sole Rebels; Rina Folawiyo, founder of luxury concept store Alara; and Jennifer Obayuwana, Executive Director of Polo Luxury Group.

Other honourees include fashion educators, lawyers and innovators such as Ijeoma Balogun, founder of Redrick PR; Olutoni Phillips Aina, founder of BluVelvet Fashion Institute; Imaobong Ekwere, lead at Beauty Law Africa; and Eniola Sharon-Scott, a fashion lawyer.

The third edition further expands its continental reach, featuring honourees from countries including Lesotho, Rwanda, Egypt, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Ethiopia, South Africa, Senegal and Zimbabwe, reflecting the increasingly pan-African nature of the fashion industry.

Among the new faces on the list is Karabelo KB Raletebele of Lesotho, recognised for designing traditional Seshoeshoe dresses for the country’s royal family, bringing global attention to Basotho cultural heritage.

Others honoured include Queen Aderonke Ademiluyi, founder of Africa Fashion Week Nigeria and London; Precious Moloi-Motsepe, founder of African Fashion International; and Adama Ndiaye, founder of Dakar Fashion Week.

The Fashion Law Institute Africa noted that the recognition programme is part of its broader efforts to support the growth of the African fashion industry through education, advocacy and strategic recognition of key industry players.

The Institute also called on media organisations, industry stakeholders and the public to celebrate and amplify the stories and achievements of the women recognised in the 2026 edition.