Incubator Program for Emerging Designers

Cultivating The Future Leaders Of African Fashion Designers

In Partnership with MFAL - Mafi Fashion Academy and Lab

54FACES in partnership with MFAL proudly introduces the Incubator for Emerging Designers, a cutting-edge program aimed at fostering the next generation of African Fashion designers. This unique initiative offers an unparalleled opportunity for up-and-coming designers to immerse themselves in creative facets of traditional crafts . Participants will have the chance to co-create with a seasoned team in product design development, benefit from manufacturing support, and possibly partner in launching and promoting their product.

Program Details

Program length: 4 months
Program Size: TEN participants per edition
Start dates:
- Edition 1: December 2025
Application Opening: September 2025- Application Deadline: 1 November 2025
Location: In-person & Online

Eligibility & Requirements

The program is open to students and recent graduates (within three years) from fields related to design including hands-on work in design processes, crafting, or creative projects.
Submission of a design portfolio.
Submission of an essay or a proposal about a craft based collection that the applicant is interested in developing during the program.
All submitted design ideas must be the original work of the applicant.
Only one submission may be entered per applicant. Duplicate entries will be disqualified.

Proposal Guidelines

For your application to the program, please submit an essay or proposal detailing your craft based design idea. Include photos, sketches or rendering to illustrate your concept, describe the inspiration behind your design, and explain why the traditional craft chosen. Clearly outline your goals for the program, including the skills you hope to acquire, the mentorship you seek, and how you plan to utilise the program’s resources to develop your prototype and prepare it for market launch. Ensure your proposal is concise, well-organised, and showcases your creativity and readiness for the program. Application Call out will be announced on our Social Media.