African creatives to showcase at Paris, Tokyo fashion weeks via CANEX-Tranoï deal

As part of the collaboration, 15 African designers will exhibit at Tranoï Tokyo, held during Japan Fashion Week at Yoyogi National Stadium on 3 and 4 September. A further 20 designers will feature at Tranoï Paris from 2 to 5 October, taking place at the prestigious Palais Brongniart during Paris Fashion Week.

Three standout designers from the Paris showcase will be selected by a jury of fashion industry experts to participate in a high-profile runway show on 3 October.

The opportunity is open to designers and fashion brands of African origin, whether based on the continent or within the diaspora, who present ready-to-wear collections with strong creative identity, ethical or innovative approaches, and at least two previous collections and a commercial presence (such as a website or retail platform).

Selected participants will receive tailored support, including a dedicated sales team, media exposure, and direct access to buyers and fashion professionals through the CANEX pavilions in Tokyo and Paris. Applications are open online here and creatives should apply before 15 May.

“We are excited to join hands with Tranoï to create new opportunities for African fashion design talent to access the global fashion markets,” Afreximbank executive vice president Kanayo Awani said. “This initiative reflects our commitment to harnessing the potential of Africa’s creative economy as a catalyst for development.”

CANEX serves as a unique platform for fostering business growth, investment, collaborative partnerships, and inspiration among creatives across creative sectors including music, film, fashion, visual arts, literature, sports, gastronomy and more. It was established to address structural challenges facing Africa’s creative industries by facilitating access to international markets, finance, training and mentorship. The initiative seeks to position African creativity at the heart of global value chains.

A major highlight in the CANEX calendar is its programme at IATF 2025, the Intra-African Trade Fair, to be held in Algiers, Algeria, from 4 to 10 September. The event is expected to attract over 2 000 exhibitors and generate more than $44 billion in trade and investment deals. The CANEX pavilion will spotlight sectors including music, fashion, film, arts and crafts, literature, sport, and culinary arts, making it the largest gathering of creatives from across Global Africa.