To enhance creativity and economic ties between Ghana and Nigeria through the fashion industry, FashionEVO has announced its official partnership with Fashion Connect Africa (FCA) for the oncoming FashionEVO Summit & Show, set to take place on September 18, 2025, during the fourth edition of Africa Creative Market (ACM) at Landmark Event Centre in Lagos, Nigeria.
This collaboration was formally introduced at a press reception held at the Polo Club in Accra, Ghana recently. The event featured the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Founder and CEO of FashionEVO Dr. Yetty Ogunnubi and Founder and CEO of Fashion Connect Africa, Victoria Michaels. This agreement reflects a mutual commitment to youth empowerment, sustainable fashion development, and cross-border creative exchange in West Africa.
Ogunnubi said, “we are not merely collaborating for a single event; we are laying the groundwork for an enduring ecosystem of opportunity. FashionEVO Summit & Show at ACM will not only celebrate African fashion but will also serve as a platform for education, visibility, and sustainable business practices.”
On her part, Victoria Michaels said: “This partnership is driven by purpose. Together, we are creating access points for untapped talent in both countries, focusing on empowerment, legacy, and the reshaping of the African fashion narrative.”
The highlight of the collaboration event was the introduction of FCA’s ‘Seed to Stage’ initiative, a groundbreaking talent development programme aimed at identifying, training, and supporting emerging fashion talents from underserved communities. The programme’s inaugural beneficiary, Lydia Okine, was recognised for receiving a six-month fashion training scholarship, two digital sewing machines, one year of rent support for her creative workspace, and an opportunity to showcase her work at the GUBA Trade and Investment Forum in Barbados.
“Lydia’s journey exemplifies the brilliance that can be found in unexpected places. The Seed to Stage initiative aims to redirect the fashion industry’s focus toward overlooked talent, providing them with the necessary resources to thrive,” Victoria Michaels said.
As part of this new partnership, FCA will present a dedicated ‘Seed to Stage’ segment during FashionEVO Summit & Show, featuring five emerging designers – two from Ghana and three from Nigeria selected through ongoing community engagement initiatives. Each designer will debut a mini capsule collection inspired by street style, sustainability, and cultural storytelling, with post-show networking and mentorship opportunities planned.
The event showcased both emerging and established designers, creating an atmosphere filled with energy and excitement. FashionEVO Summit & Show at Africa Creative Market 2025 will feature a curated designer runway show, masterclasses, industry panels, a pop-up retail boutique, a fashion installation, a student fashion competition, and an awards ceremony recognising key contributors to African fashion. The partnership between FCA and FashionEVO highlights a shared commitment to transforming the African fashion landscape through collaboration, access, and visibility.
