AFDB 2023 Fashionomics Africa Contest for African Entrepreneurs (USD $10,000 prize)

Fashionomics Africa, in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme, Parsons School of Design, strategic consulting and communications agency BPCM, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, and the Centre for Sustainable Fashion, invites interested African fashion brands to apply to the sustainable fashion online competition.

The online competition is a challenge prize run by the African Development Bank that aims to celebrate African fashion brands that will change how we produce, buy, use and recycle fashion and that encourage a more sustainable shift in consumer practices.

Eligibility Criteria

• The contest is open to fashion entrepreneurs of 18 years of age and above, operating in the textile, apparel, and accessories industry in Africa.
• Entrants must pursue environmentally friendly, sustainable and circular economy measures to qualify.
• Priority will be given to youth (18-35 years old) and women-led fashion businesses.
• Applicants should have an African passport and / or live in an African country and have an identification document like a passport, national ID Card or Voters Card issued in an African country.
• Participants must have launched a fashion business* and operate in the textile (fabric making), apparel (clothing) or accessories (jewelry, bags, etc.) sector. Recently launched businesses are encouraged to apply. Proof of business registration will be requested.

Benefits of AFDB Fashionomics Africa Contest

The winner will have the opportunity to win:

• A financial reward of USD 10,000 for the best sustainable and innovative brand;
• A Fashionomics Africa certificate;
• Access to a network of media insiders and industry experts;
• The possibility to take part in online events and share insights on key sustainability challenges facing the industry;
• The publication of the winner’s story on the African Development Bank’s website and Fashionomics Africa platform;
• The possibility to attend a Fashionomics Africa webinar as a panelist;

The finalists (2) will have the opportunity to receive:

• A promotion package to advertise the brand on Fashionomics Africa social media for a month;
• A Fashionomics Africa certificate;
• A branding kit (new logo, color palette, recommended fonts, letterhead, business card, email signature).

The winner and finalists will also benefit from networking, mentoring and capacity building opportunities offered by the competition partners:

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

The winner and two finalists will havee the chance to:

• Present the brand’s sustainability journey at an online event organized by UNEP, with the participation of African and international companies, technical organizations, fashion institutes;
• Gain exclusive access to UNEP’s up-to-date expert network and receive exposure by being promoted through the organization’s newsletter database;
• Benefit from bi-lateral training sessions with UNEP fashion and textile experts and receive support on eco-innovation methodology;
• Gain exclusive access to UNEP’s up-to-date eco-innovation resources and materials on subjects related to fashion and textile sustainability.

BPCM

• Provide the winner with three online one to one mentoring sessions (three hours) to strengthen the business’ communication strategy.
• Provide each finalist with a one-to-one mentoring session to strengthen the businesses’ communication strategy.

Evaluation criteria

Quality of the sustainable products designed (60 points)

Are the brand’s flagship products environmentally friendly and innovative?

Sub-criteria:

1. Originality and use of more sustainable materials (e.g. recycled, organic) (15 points)
2. Design of durable, recyclable garments (15 points)
3. Cleaner/ greener production techniques (e.g. safer chemicals, less waste) (10 points)
4. Original ways to reduce the carbon footprint (10 points)
5. Life of the product: Product’s durability and measures taken to reduce waste and to extend the product’s lifetime (10 points)

Demonstrating a global perspective in terms of looking through the entire business model and value chain as well as trying to address all life cycle stages of the product, will be asset.

All products submitted must have been introduced to the market and placed within the last 5 years maximum.

Each participant will submit pictures of the products (mandatory).

Clear write-up (on the brand and its sustainable products) and solid growth plan/strategy on how it intends to disburse the USD $10,000 prize (30 points)

Is sustainability at the heart of the brand’s business model?

Sub-criteria:

1. Quality of write-up (8 points)
2. The brand has a sustainable business model: From the materials used, to the production and end-life of the product. Are the brand’s fashion products used more, made to be made again, made from safe and recycled or renewable inputs? (12 points)
3. Is the allocation of the USD 10,000-reward proposed by the brand strong and viable? (10 points)

Brand’s commitment to sustainability (10 points)

Sub-criteria:

1. Use of social networks, website or other means of communication to promote circular actions (5 points)
2. The brand works to improve the social status of its employees, develops eco-friendly distribution methods, and any other positive and additional information provided (5 points)

Timeline

• Period to submit applications: 5 December 2022 – 18 January 2023
• Announcement of the finalists by the professional jury: 13 February 2023
• Public vote: 13 February – 2 March 2023
• Announcement of the winner: March 2023

Apply Here

Visit the OFFICIAL PAGE for further information. DROP COMMENTS for questions/suggestions.

VALENTINE PROMO: Push your business to the face of over 8,000 people from as little as #800.

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DISCLAIMER: Do not pay or release sensitive financial details to any organizer/recruiter unless futher verified from your end.