Africa Fashion Week Nigeria (AFWN) has announced its return for 2025 with a new theme titled “The Naija December Experience,” marking a major evolution of the event into a two-day fashion and culture festival. The event is scheduled to hold in Lagos on December 20 and 21, 2025.
According to the organisers, AFWN 2025 will expand beyond its traditional runway format to deliver a broader festival-style experience that blends fashion, commerce, music, and culture. The reimagined edition is expected to feature curated runway shows from both established and emerging designers, designer pop-up markets, live DJ sets and musical performances, masterclasses, sustainable fashion activations, and exclusive after-party experiences.
Speaking on the vision behind the theme, Queen Aderonke “Ronke” Ademiluyi Ogunwusi, Founder of Africa Fashion Week Nigeria, said the 2025 edition is designed to position Lagos as a cultural destination during Nigeria’s peak festive season. She described fashion as a powerful expression of identity and noted that AFWN aims to create a space where heritage, innovation, commerce, and celebration converge.
AFWN has built a strong reputation over the years as a launchpad for African designers and a platform that connects local creativity with global markets. Founded by Queen Ronke Ademiluyi Ogunwusi, who also established Africa Fashion Week London and the Adire Oodua Textile & Training Hub, the event has showcased more than 3,000 designers across its editions and attracted over 90,000 visitors, including buyers, media professionals, and industry stakeholders.
The 2025 edition is being positioned as a departure from conventional fashion week models, with organisers promising immersive experiences that reflect the energy of Lagos in December while creating commercial opportunities for designers. Elizabeth Igwe, Communications and PR Director for AFWN 2025, described the theme as a bold statement that frames fashion as both celebration and commerce, while amplifying new voices within the African fashion ecosystem.
Attendance at AFWN 2025 will be free, although advance registration will be required to manage guest flow and security. Details regarding designer submissions, volunteer participation, and accreditation is released through AFWN’s official website and social media channels.
Africa Fashion Week Nigeria remains one of the continent’s leading fashion platforms, combining runway showcases, commercial opportunities, and cultural storytelling to elevate African design and strengthen its presence on the global stage.