More than 30 aspiring fashion entrepreneurs have graduated from the inaugural Fashion Incubator Scholarship Programme at the Ananse Centre for Design Lagos. The milestone marks a major step in Ananse’s mission to build Africa’s next generation of globally competitive fashion businesses.

The Ananse Centre for Design Lagos in Ikate, Lekki hosted the graduation ceremony. Participants entered the programme with little or no prior industry experience. They successfully completed one of Nigeria’s most comprehensive fashion incubation programmes.

Over several months, participants received hands-on training across fashion design, leatherwork, garment production, quality assurance, and sustainability. They also studied product development, entrepreneurship, branding, e-commerce, and market access. Consequently, they gained practical and commercial skills to launch and grow successful businesses.

Graduates presented original collections during a runway showcase at the event. The showcase highlighted creativity, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurial thinking developed throughout the programme.

Speaking during the graduation ceremony, Sam Mensah, Founder and CEO of Ananse Africa, said: “Africa has no shortage of talent. What has often been missing is access to world-class training, infrastructure and commercial opportunities. The Ananse Centre for Design was created to bridge that gap, giving aspiring entrepreneurs not only technical skills, but also the business knowledge, production capabilities and market access they need to build sustainable fashion brands.”

Meanwhile, Onome Umukoro, Hub Country Lead, Africa, added: “Today’s graduation isn’t the finish line – it’s the beginning. We’re incredibly proud of what this cohort has achieved, but our role doesn’t stop here. Through Ananse’s wider ecosystem, graduates will continue to have opportunities to produce, create content, access new markets and grow their businesses.”

The Fashion Incubator Scholarship Programme operates through strategic partnerships with the Mastercard Foundation, ISHK Tolaram Foundation, and TVET. Together, these organisations expand opportunities for young people and strengthen Africa’s creative economy.

Beyond technical training, graduates become part of the wider Ananse ecosystem. They gain continued access to production facilities, content creation services, business support, digital commerce, and market access opportunities. These resources help transform promising talent into commercially successful fashion businesses.

Additionally, Ananse operates across six African countries. The organisation continues investing in infrastructure, education, and commercial platforms supporting African fashion globally. It also creates sustainable livelihoods for designers, artisans, and creative entrepreneurs.

About Ananse Centre for Design Lagos

The Ananse Centre for Design is a multidisciplinary fashion and creative hub developing Africa’s next generation of designers and entrepreneurs. Through industry-led training, production facilities, content creation, business support, and market access, the Centre equips emerging creatives with skills, infrastructure, and opportunities. These resources help them build sustainable businesses and compete globally.

About Ananse Africa

Ananse Africa is a pioneering platform empowering African creatives, especially within the fashion and design sector. The organisation provides market access, capacity building, and innovative financial solutions through its Cash Advance facility. Consequently, Ananse helps transform African MSMEs into bankable and globally competitive enterprises.

Media Contact: [onome.umukoro@ananse.com]