Council for International African Fashion Education

📍 Read Our Latest Briefing Paper: ‘The Influence of Private Equity and Venture Capital in Advancing Africa’s Fashion Sector As Africa’s fashion industry continues to gain traction on the global stage, strategic investment and access to capital are critical for driving growth. Our latest briefing paper explores how private equity (PE) and venture capital (VC) firms are shaping the industry, helping local brands expand, innovate, and establish themselves in international markets. Key Insights Include: ➡️ Transformational Impact: PE and VC investments have the potential to fuel growth by providing essential capital, strategic guidance, and access to global networks—accelerating African fashion brands’ entry into international markets. ➡️ Challenges: From economic volatility to underdeveloped infrastructure, African fashion faces distinct challenges that must be addressed to attract sustained investment. ➡️ Key Considerations: Balancing rapid scale with cultural integrity, promoting sustainability, and navigating the high-risk environment are crucial for both investors and local brands. Thoughtful investments can foster ethical growth while maintaining Africa’s unique fashion identity. ➡️ Recommendations: Governments and international stakeholders must create a more enabling environment through incentives, infrastructure development, and public-private partnerships that support sustainable and inclusive growth in Africa’s fashion sector. Explore the paper and discover how private equity and venture capital can reshape the future of African fashion by addressing these key challenges and leveraging strategic opportunities for sustainable development. 🔗 Read the full briefing paper here: ciafe.org/briefing-papers Would love to hear from you! #CIAFE #PrivateEquity #VentureCapital #AfricanFashion #SustainableGrowth #GlobalFashion #FashionInvestment #PolicyRecommendations #EconomicDevelopment

Dear Friends and Supporters, We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support, engagement, and contributions over the past months. While our public presence has been quiet, our commitment to advancing African fashion and amplifying the voices of designers and creatives from the continent and the diaspora has been anything but idle. Behind the scenes, we have been working diligently on several important projects, and we are eager to share the fruits of this work with you in the coming months. Your patience and unwavering interest have been deeply appreciated, and we are particularly moved by the overwhelming response to the African and Diaspora Fashion History course. The enthusiasm, with enrolments continuing to this day, underscores the significance of this dialogue and the importance of preserving and celebrating our rich cultural heritage through fashion. We are excited to continue this journey with you, furthering our collective impact on the global fashion landscape. Thank you once again for your trust and engagement; we look forward to what lies ahead. Speak soon, Frederica Brooksworth and Coy Griffin

📢 CIAFE is proud to announce the third edition of Africa's Young Fashion Leaders Fellowship. This prestigious initiative stands as a beacon for emerging talents in the fashion industry, offering them a chance to engage in a professional development and training scheme that is pivotal in fostering significant changes globally. Through hands-on experience on live projects, the fellowship aims to produce innovative solutions that will leave a lasting impact on the fashion landscape. 📙 The theme of the 2024 Fellowship Programme is Making Impact In Fashion Through Academic Publishing. This year, the fellowship is thrilled to focus on academic research publishing. Our goal is to assist aspiring scholars who aim to make their mark by having their research published. Beneficiaries will have the unique opportunity to contribute to renowned publications such as the Journal for African and Diaspora Fashion and Bloomsbury Fashion Business Cases, which are esteemed resources in academic institutions worldwide. ➡️ Ideal Candidates  The fellowship is specifically designed for individuals who: * Have not yet published any research papers. * Wish to publish their first research paper and establish a credible academic profile in the fashion industry. * Published a few papers and want to continue to contribute to scholarly activities centred around African and Diaspora Fashion. Remember: we are accepting applications from individuals located around the world! 🔴 Programme Timeline  Application Period: Open as of today Application Deadline: May 31st 2024 Fellowship Duration: July 2024 to January 2025 ➡️ Programme Structure Africa's Young Fashion Leaders Fellowship offers a flexible schedule, allowing participants to maintain their academic and professional commitments. However, fellows are required to commit to: * Monthly workshops that are integral to the fellowship experience. * Comprehensive training and mentorship sessions that support the development and successful publication of their research. ➡️ How to Apply  Applications for the fellowship are now live. For more information on how to apply, including submission guidelines and required documents, please visit our website https://lnkd.in/eCgYjfCJ #AfricanFashion #fashioneducation #AfricanFashionResearch #DiasporaFashion #FashionResearch