Projected to exceed $50 billion in value by 2030, Africa’s fashion industry is gaining recognition as one of the continent’s fastest-growing creative and economic sectors. Its trajectory will come into focus at the FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Leading Women Summit, which has partnered with Africa Fashion International (AFI) to spotlight the industry’s expanding global relevance.
In a continent where half the population is under the age of 25 and creative industries are rapidly gaining economic traction, fashion is emerging as one of the most visible expressions of Africa’s cultural confidence and entrepreneurial energy. Younger consumers are driving strong demand for locally-designed clothing and apparel with cultural identity and expression, creating enormous market potential.
This growth has likewise seized the attention of major fashion houses, with global luxury brands such as Chanel and Dior staging runway shows in cities like Dakar, Marrakech and Giza.
Simultaneously, homegrown designers are cultivating appeal that bridges African traditions with global tastes. Names like Thebe Magugu and David Tlale have been met with international acclaim, dressing global celebrities and presenting their work on stages from major fashion weeks to the Met Gala.
Their success reflects a broader trend in how African fashion is coming to the fore. In Nigeria alone, fashion accounts for roughly 20% of business-to-consumer e-commerce sales, while global demand for African haute couture is expected to rise by more than 40% between 2023 and 2033.
A global platform for African designers
It is within this burgeoning landscape that the FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Leading Women Summit, now in its 11th year, is bringing Africa’s fashion economy into the leadership conversation through its collaboration with AFI.
Founded in 2007 by Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, AFI has become one of the continent’s most influential fashion platforms, championing African designers and helping emerging talent reach worldwide audiences through its various development, mentorship, and access initiatives.
A medical doctor turned entrepreneur and philanthropist, Moloi-Motsepe has spent nearly two decades building bridges between African creativity and international markets, positioning fashion as both a cultural force and a driver of economic opportunity. Named among FORBES AFRICA’s ‘50 Over 50’ women redefining leadership on the continent, she has played a central role in elevating African design, including establishing Johannesburg and Cape Town as unmissable fashion week destinations.
In addition to serving as the Chancellor of the University of Cape Town, she continues to showcase African fashion at prominent international cultural events – for example attending the 2025 Met Gala in New York wearing a custom design by South African designer David Tlale.
“African fashion is a powerful cultural and economic force. It embraces our history of color, texture and symbolism while evolving through contemporary design,” she says.
“As one of Africa’s most compelling cultural exports, partnering with the FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Leading Women Summit will allow us to showcase the designers who are turning fashion into global influence.”
Bringing fashion into the summit spotlight
For Renuka Methil, Managing Editor of FORBES AFRICA and FORBES WOMAN AFRICA, the collaboration reflects the summit’s continued evolution as a platform that recognizes leadership across numerous industries shaping Africa’s future.
“The FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Leading Women Summit has always celebrated women who reimagine industries and expand what leadership can look like. Partnering with Africa Fashion International allows us to bring the creative economy into that conversation,” she says.
As part of the partnership, summit attendees will experience an exclusive AFI-curated runway showcase, featuring collections from both emerging and established African designers. The presentation will offer a glimpse into the craftsmanship and innovation that are hallmarks of the continent’s fashion industry today.
Taking place on March 18 at Johannesburg’s Sandton Convention Centre in honor of International Women’s Month, this year’s FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Leading Women Summit will convene leaders from across business, entrepreneurship, culture and innovation to exchange ideas and insights on the industries shaping the continent’s next chapter.
Limited tickets for the 2026 FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Leading Women Summit and Awards are available at: https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.spx?itemid=1576335252.
The 2026 FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Leading Women Summit is proudly presented by McDonald’s South Africa and official banking partner ABSA South Africa. The summit is also held in partnership with Stanford Seed Graduate School of Business, Eskom and CNBC Africa.
