EFWA NEXT
Designer Mentorship Programme
Connecting emerging designers with established industry mentors, guidance and opportunities.
EFWA NEXT connects emerging student designers with established designers for three months of practical, one to one mentorship, helping young creatives build confidence, strengthen their craft and understand how to turn talent into a real career.
WHY WE CREATED EFWA NEXT
Eco Fashion Week Africa was founded by two women who grew up in Kibera and went on to build successful professional careers before creating EFWA. We know that talent exists everywhere, but access does not.
Much of our founders own journey has been made possible through determination, work, self funding and people who chose to collaborate, share knowledge and open doors.
EFWA NEXT was created to do the same for another generation. We want young designers, particularly those coming from communities where opportunities are limited, to connect with people who have built successful careers and believe, I can do this too.
I WANT A MENTOR
You do not need to have everything figured out but you need to be willing to learn.
EFWA NEXT is open to fashion students and early stage designers who demonstrate creativity, commitment and a genuine desire to build a future in fashion. Priority can be given to designers facing barriers such as limited access to industry networks, mentorship, education, equipment, materials or financial resources.
I WANT TO BECOME A MENTOR
Someone once opened a door for you. Open one for someone else
We are inviting established designers from Africa and around the world to mentor one emerging African designer for three months. Your minimum commitment is one hour each week. You are not being asked to build their career for them. You are being asked to share something enormously valuable: experience.
Support an Emerging Designer
Talent also needs resources
Some emerging designers may have the ideas and commitment but lack access to materials, equipment, tuition, travel, production or the capital required to develop their work. EFWA NEXT will allow individuals, companies and organisations to support selected designers financially or explore opportunities to invest in their development.