Frederica Brooksworth Launches AFDI to Fund and Educate Africa’s Next Fashion Leaders

 

African fashion has emerged as a vibrant and influential sector, showcasing the continent’s rich cultural heritage and creativity. However, despite the growing interest and investment in this industry, many emerging talents struggle to find the necessary support and funding to flourish. Unfortunately, some organizations and individuals exploit the situation, prioritizing profit over genuine assistance, leaving many aspiring designers and artists without the resources they need to succeed.

In contrast, the African Fashion Development Initiative stands out as a beacon of hope for these creatives. Committed to nurturing and empowering talent across the continent, this initiative seeks to provide the essential tools, mentorship, and financial support that emerging designers require. By focusing on collaboration and sustainable growth, the African Fashion Development Initiative aims to transform the fashion landscape in Africa, ensuring that the voices of its talented individuals are heard and celebrated.

Frederica Brooksworth, a distinguished British-Ghanaian academic and strategist, has left an indelible mark on the fashion world through her visionary leadership. As the founder and executive director of the Council for International African Fashion Education (CIAFE), with branches in London, Accra, and New York, she has been instrumental in shaping the narrative and education around African fashion. Her collaborations with institutions like the Business of Fashion have enriched the sector with essential educational resources. Now, with the launch of the African Fashion Development Initiative (AFDI), Brooksworth is focused on catalyzing Africa’s fashion industry through strategic investments, research, and capacity building. AFDI aims to empower emerging fashion entrepreneurs by offering grants and education, fostering innovation, women’s empowerment, youth employment, and sustainable practices to propel Africa’s fashion onto the world stage.

The Motivation Behind AFDI

“I’ve always known that finance is a major challenge in the fashion industry, but it’s even more pronounced in Africa,” Brooksworth explains. The inception of AFDI came from her realization that even with ample knowledge, African creatives faced insurmountable financial barriers. “For years, I prayed for guidance, and when it became clear that change needed to be actioned, not just discussed, AFDI was born.”

Criteria for AFDI’s Micro-Grants

AFDI’s micro-grants are designed for businesses with potential but lacking in resources. “We support entrepreneurs with a vision for growth and real impact,” says Brooksworth. Eligibility includes being based in Africa, having a strong business concept, and demonstrating potential for profitability and job creation. The grants aim to aid in crucial areas like production, marketing, and skill development, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and community impact.

Impact of Micro-Grants

Brooksworth envisions these grants as transformative. “They’re not just one-time aid; they’re catalysts for long-term stability,” she adds.  By providing the financial push needed for scaling, these grants aim to shift the narrative from one of scarcity to one of possibility, enabling African fashion to compete both locally and globally.

Capacity-Building Programs

Recognizing the business challenges beyond creativity, AFDI’s programs focus on financial management, legal advice, and operational efficiency. “We want to equip our entrepreneurs with the skills they need to thrive,” Brooksworth states, emphasizing practical training that tackles the unique challenges of running a fashion business in Africa.

The Role of Research and Data

Brooksworth sees research as the backbone of industry growth. “Without concrete data, we operate on assumptions, not facts,” she notes. AFDI’s research will inform business strategies, attract investment, and guide policy-making, ensuring that African fashion is seen as a viable economic sector.

Barriers Faced by African Fashion Entrepreneurs

The challenges are multifaceted, from funding to infrastructure. Brooksworth elaborates on the high cost of local production, fragmented supply chains, and the need for business know-how. “These barriers are significant, but with the right support, we can transform the industry,” she asserts.

Promoting Sustainable Practices

Sustainability isn’t just a trend for AFDI; it’s a necessity. Brooksworth advocates for education, funding, and global recognition of Africa’s sustainable fashion practices. “We want to show the world that Africa leads in sustainability, not just follows,” she adds.

Enhancing Global Recognition

With a passion for seeing African fashion recognized globally, Brooksworth aims to increase visibility through strategic partnerships and storytelling, with strategic advisors including industry leaders like Sara Sozzani Maino, the creative director at Fondazione Sozzani; Ekow Barnes, editor at Guzangs and multi-hyphenate; and Lulu Shabell, chief executive and chief creativity champion at consulting firm Lulubell Group. These partnerships are crucial for knowledge exchange, funding, and redefining African fashion’s narrative.

“African fashion is modern, diverse, and innovative; we need to present it as such,” she says, pushing for a narrative shift from exotic to essential. 

Fostering International Partnerships

AFDI’s strategy includes creating meaningful, long-term partnerships for knowledge exchange and investment. “We’re not looking for handouts but for collaborations that grow the industry,” Brooksworth remarks, emphasizing the mutual benefits of such alliances.

Vision for Success

In five years, Brooksworth envisions AFDI as having significantly impacted the African fashion landscape. “Success means seeing thriving businesses that contribute to the economy and culture,” she shares. She dreams of a fashion ecosystem where African brands are not just participants but pioneers in the global market.

Under Frederica Brooksworth’s guidance, AFDI is poised to redefine African fashion, making it a beacon of creativity, sustainability, and economic growth. With a focus on empowerment, education, and global integration, AFDI is not just a vision but a blueprint for the future of African fashion.