Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX), an initiative by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), has partnered with international fashion event organizer Tranoï to showcase the talents of 35 African fashion designers at the upcoming Paris and Japan fashion weeks in 2025.
As part of this collaboration, 15 African designers will exhibit their Spring/Summer collections at Tranoï Tokyo, which will be held at the Yoyogi National Stadium during Japan Fashion Week on September 3–4, 2025. Another 20 designers will participate in Tranoï Paris, scheduled for October 2–5, 2025, at the Palais Brongniart during Paris Fashion Week. From the Paris group, three standout designers will be selected by a jury to feature in an exclusive runway show on October 3.
The initiative is open to designers of African origin—either based on the continent or in the diaspora—who present a strong creative identity, uphold ethical or innovative design practices, and have at least two collections and a commercial presence.
Selected designers will receive comprehensive support including a dedicated sales team, access to global buyers and media, and presence within the CANEX pavilions in Paris and Tokyo. Applications can be submitted via tranoi.com/e/tranoi-x-canex until May 15, 2025.
“This partnership opens new pathways for African design talent to enter global fashion markets,” said Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President of Intra-African Trade and Export Development at Afreximbank. “It underscores our commitment to harnessing the creative economy as a key driver of Africa’s development.”
CANEX will also play a central role in the upcoming Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF 2025) in Algiers, Algeria, from September 4–10. Featuring more than 2,000 exhibitors and projected to generate over $44 billion in trade and investment deals, CANEX at IATF will spotlight African creativity across fashion, film, music, literature, and more.
