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These five changemakers are proving that fashion can be a force for good. Through mentorship, artisan empowerment, sustainable practices, and advocacy, they’re building a more ethical and inclusive African fashion industry. Meet the visionaries behind Lagos Fashion Week, Orange Mentorship, Mifuko Trust, Elexiay, and A A K S.
In the world of fashion, change is often measured in trends. But across the African continent, a visionary group of leaders is redefining change itself — weaving impact, inclusion, and integrity into the very fabric of the industry.
As part of The Folklore 50 Africa, we’re spotlighting five pioneers whose work goes far beyond aesthetics. These designers, organizers, and entrepreneurs are building ecosystems, mentoring future talent, uplifting artisans, and championing circularity. Their mission? To ensure that African fashion isn’t just globally visible, but sustainably viable and ethically rooted.
Meet the visionaries behind the movement:
– Omoyemi Akerele – Founder, Lagos Fashion Week & Style House Files (Nigeria)
More than a runway, Lagos Fashion Week is a movement — and at its helm is Omoyemi Akerele. A longtime advocate for system-level change, she’s built platforms that support designer growth, promote responsible production, and center African narratives. Through Style House Files, she has incubated dozens of brands while challenging the global fashion industry to see Africa as a source of innovation, not extraction.
– Adebayo Oke-Lawal – Founder, Orange Mentorship (Nigeria)
Known for his groundbreaking label Orange Culture, Adebayo Oke-Lawal is also the founder of Orange Mentorship — a program providing African creatives with the tools, networks, and guidance to scale their ideas. With vulnerability, courage, and a fierce commitment to community, he’s creating space for young voices to lead the conversation around identity, expression, and sustainability.
– Anyango Mpinga – Founder, Mifuko Trust (Kenya)
A designer turned activist, Anyango Mpinga uses her brand and foundation to advocate for gender equity, regenerative agriculture, and slow fashion. Through the Mifuko Trust, she uplifts rural women artisans while promoting ancestral wisdom, zero-waste techniques, and transparent production models. Her work proves that fashion can be both beautiful and just.
– Elyon Adede – Founder, Elexiay (Nigeria)
Elexiay is known for its dreamy crochet pieces, but behind the softness lies strength. Founder Elyon Adede champions handmade, small-batch production and actively employs and trains female artisans in Nigeria. Her commitment to preserving craftsmanship and creating dignified work opportunities reimagines what success in fashion can look like — local, thoughtful, and inclusive.
– Akosua Afriyie-Kumi – Founder, A A K S (Ghana)
With every color-splashed bag, A A K S tells a story of tradition and transformation. Founder Akosua Afriyie-Kumi has revitalized the centuries-old art of Bolgatanga basket weaving by bringing global attention to Ghanaian artisanship. Her brand prioritizes fair wages, environmental care, and storytelling that centers African creativity — making ethical fashion aspirational, not optional.
Why These Founders Matter
These changemakers aren’t just running businesses — they’re building futures. Whether through education, employment, or sustainability, their work is rooted in long-term vision and collective progress. In an industry often driven by speed and spectacle, they remind us that real influence takes time, intention, and an unwavering commitment to community.
The Folklore is proud to honor these leaders in our Change for Good category. Their stories embody the core values of The Folklore 50 – Africa: excellence, purpose, and impact. As we celebrate the power of creativity to spark transformation, we invite you to explore, support, and learn from the individuals reshaping what fashion can mean — and who it can serve.
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